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talysis pushing for the de- done.” The membership must do velopment of Grosse Ile as One way you can its part by paying their an Irish Memorial Park, honour Marianna’s dues, and if possible, mak- but also a warm and car- memory is by making a ing a donation to aid the ing person and became a donation to: Irish Herit- publication. friend to many of us in age Quebec, 1145, rue de I must pay tribute to New Brunswick. Salaberry, Quebec, QE, our Assistant Editor, Lin- When Edna and I G1R 2V7. Marianna da Evans, for the invalua- heard that she was chosen founded the organization ble work she did in help- as the Grand Marshall of in 1973, and Joseph Lon- ing to put this issue to- Quebec’s first St. Patrick’s ergan succeeded her as the gether. Also, Marilyn Day parade since 1926, we new President. Driscoll has spent many had to be there to cheer In New Brunswick, hours entering the materi- On May 24, 2010, her on. On a nice sunny we must also support Roly al and formatting it so that the Irish community in day, thousands turned McSorley, our Provincial it will be ‘print ready’ for Canada, and especially out. Shortly afterwards President, his executive, the printer. This helps cut Quebec, lost a special per- we received the sad news Board of Directors and our the costs immensely. son with the death of Ma- that she would not be with Chapters who as Joe said Once again, we owe Linda rianna O’Gallagher. In the us much longer. about Marianna, “...must and Marilyn a heartfelt early ’80’s when we were As her good friend be about their work and thank you. exploring the idea of and colleague, Joe Lon- get things done.” This can As St Patrick’s Day forming an Association ergan said in a tribute to only happen with the sup- 2011 approaches, take and deciding what pro- her, “Marianna will be port of our members and time to plan events in jects we could do to hon- missed. She has been friends. your area. Don’t forget our and recognize our mourned. Those of us The cost of prepar- about the young people Irish ancestors, Marianna who wish to honour her ing and printing the and check with your local was there to urge us to do memory and value our Shamrock Leaf has be- school for a special St. Pat- what had to be done. Irish heritage as she did come expensive. The ex- rick’s Day event also. Marianna was not should emulate her vir- ecutive have taken steps to only a teacher, author, tues. We should be about cut down costs so that we Farrell McCarthy Irish historian and the ca- our work and get things can continue to publish it. Editor Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor, I’m pleased to renew my To the Editor, arriving in West Prince membership subscription County. The website is I find the Shamrock Leaf and contribute to the annu- The Tignish Irish Folk Fes- www.tignishirishfolkfestival.c most interesting and in- al bursary draw. I just tival has been going 10 om. formative. The historical hope I have picked a win- years. We have our festi- tenor of most articles is a ner! val the first weekend in Leo and Laureen Handrahan sheer history lesson and August (outdoor concert). Tignish, PEI the reviewed books on Ire- Is mise le meas, In 2011 we will be land are an additional op- Michael J. McAteer celebrating 100 years, the tion for the reader. Fruitvale, BC bicentennial of the Irish
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 3
The President’s Message
Dear Members, tal on the provincial ar- ince-wide. public forum at every I’ve enjoyed the first year chives website and Cana- Many things have hap- chance. of my term as president. It da’s Irish Festival on the pened and continue to hap- Let’s keep this good stuff has certainly allowed me to Miramichi. I also attended pen. We have a committee going. I’m inviting you to get to know a lot of new the Irish festival at Doug- who, in conjunction with get involved in the preser- people and to renew a num- lastown on the Gaspé and the Scottish and Welsh so- vation and perpetuation of ber of old friendships. It was pleased to put some cieties, are very actively the Irish culture in our has also enabled me to be in time in at the Capital Area pursuing a provincial Celt- province. I am looking closer touch with some Chapter booth at the Multi- ic Secretariat. The struggle forward to the second year pretty regular and dependa- cultural festival in Freder- for proper recognition and serving as your president. ble members from around icton, the NB Highland promotion of Partridge Please join me in being ac- the province. Games and the Gathering Island continues. We are tive. In the year gone by I of the Scots in the spring in still looking to get “The have been privileged to Perth-Andover. I write Gathering” off the ground. Sincerely, represent our association at this as witness that we are We all have an interest in Roly McSorley a number of public func- gaining exposure at many these and other initiatives ICCA President tions. A couple that jump events and initiatives by and can contribute to see- immediately to mind are our local chapters and pro- ing them brought to frui- the launch of the Irish por- vincial committees prov- tion by keeping them in the Letters to the Editor (Continued) Dear Editor, Here is what I know What I am truly in- – I am the daughter of terested in is the name of The Shamrock Leaf is a Dear Editor, George H and Beulah the ship Bernard (called treasure. Congratulations (Curry) McLaughlin. My Barney) McLaughlin came to Mr. Roly McSorley, edi- Received my copy of the grandfather was Michael over on. He landed in tor, Farrell McCarthy and Shamrock Leaf – ‘enjoyed Patrick McLaughlin, who Saint John. Do you know the membership. Keep up everything in it!’ went to live with his Aunt if ‘Barney’ came to Canada the Association’s good Particularly interest- Mary (Patrick) McCarthy. by himself or were there works! ed in the McLaughlin side He was married to Emily other relatives with him? – saw the article on Mi- (Dolly) Goodine, daughter Who were his parents and John P. Murphy chael McLaughlin, won- of Rueben and Mary what county in Ireland did New Bedford, dering if he may have been (Hanscom) Goodine. they come from? When he Mass., USA related to us. Michael’s mother was came across at Fort Fair- Maggie Ludgate and she field, there was another was married to George McLaughlin named Dennis McLaughlin, son of Ber- – could they have been re- nard McLaughlin and lated? Can anyone help Mary Delahenty. They with more information? were married in 1825. Her marriage license and the Christina US Census lists her as be- (McLaughlin) Latham ing born in Ireland. They 1333 Pond Road came to Fort Fairfield, Mount Vernon, Maine in 1831. ME 04352, USA (This letter was con-
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Murray Corner is located on (d. 1874) and Rev Alexander Robin- However, the cairn so loving- the Northumberland Strait in the son (d. 1886) – both Irish Covenanter ly placed in the Murray Corner pio- southeast corner on the province. clergy – who had a large following neer cemetery in 1940 to remember For many it is known for its quiet throughout the Chignecto region. Clarke, Robinson and their flocks is provincial beach and incredible sun- The Covenanters were a strict re- in desperate need of repair. The sets. In more recent years, Murray formed Presbyterian group and base is deteriorating and it will soon Corner is better known as a great eventually joined the Presbyterian be irreparable. The Pioneer Ceme- place to snap a picture of the Con- throngs but not before starting a to- tery board is looking for help to federation Bridge from a distance. tal of 19 parishes throughout the raise the necessary funding for re- However, tucked away in nineteenth century. Their faith was pairs. For more information, please Murray Corner is a pioneer ceme- unique and their story is detailed in contact Rev. Dr. Eldon Hay at el- tery that is becoming well-worn and Eldon Hay’s book, “The Chignecto [email protected], or you weathered and in need of assistance. Covenanters” - A Regional History can send a donation to the “Pioneer Within the cemetery is a large of Reformed Presbyterianism in Cemetery Board” to Kim Atkinson, cairn commemorating two pioneer New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, 45 Caissie Ave, Shediac, NB, E4P clergymen, Rev. Alexander Clarke 1827 - 1905. 1J9.
Johnson Chair in Canadian Irish Studies created at Concordia
In 1996, a group of Canadians of program offering 24 courses, dealing with lion donation, to be matched by a $1 mil- Irish background created the Canadian Irish heritage and with the story of the lion from the Concordia University Foun- Irish Studies Foundation. They believed Irish in Canada, attracting about 600 stu- dation, to create the prestigious Johnson that the history of the Irish in Canada, and dents annually. More than 7,000 students Chair in Canadian Irish Studies. The first the quite extraordinary contributions that have enrolled in these courses over the holder of the Chair, which honours the they made over the generations to the de- years and 21 fully funded scholarships three premiers of Quebec, is Michael Ken- velopment of our country needed to be valued at $23,000 are given annually. neally. studied and taught to young Canadians. Also a prestigious Irish public lec- For more information on the foun- Plans were taken to create an en- ture series has attracted over 140 speakers, dation and the School Canadian Irish Stud- dowment which would finance the devel- including Prime Minister Dr. Garret Fitz- ies go to www.cisf.concordia.ca. opment of Canadian Irish Studies in Con- Gerald and Nobel Poet Laureate, Seamus cordia University. With the university’s Heaney. full support a school of Canadian Irish On St Patrick’s Day 2008, Quebec Studies was created – including a minor Premier Jean Charest announced a $2 mil-
The Shamrock Leaf
This news magazine is pub- lished twice a year (Summer & Winter) and is funded solely from membership, so keep up the support!!
Design by: ICCANB
Printing by: Acadie Presse
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 5
Remembering Women Transported to Australia
something minimal was a taught Aborigines, and the brainchild of Christina ticket to the new world – lived to be 83. Henri, a conceptual artist especially during the from the University of Great Hunger years – Mary Walsh, was sen- Tasmania. After seeing a when imprisonment was tenced to seven years in display about women’s a step up from starvation. 1842 for stealing cloth, transportation, she asked Some were even allowed and she and her one-year for bonnets to be made as to apply to have their old daughter went togeth- symbols to commemorate wives and children ac- er, leaving her husband the lives of those women In Peter St John’s well- company them, thereby behind. Her sad story is who were transported. So known song “The Fields getting free passage. found in Pete St John’s far over 15,000 bonnets of Athenry”, Michael is newest piece “The Bells of have been made world- being transported for Not only men were trans- Ireland”. wide. The art project, en- stealing ‘...Trevelyn’s corn ported however. Over titled “Roses from the so the young will see the 9,000 women also made At the Blessing of the Heart” is meant to show morn.” the journey for trivial Bonnets ceremony in empathy with their plight. offences. Cobh in August, 2010 To learn more, or to con- Between the years 1787 bonnets bearing the tribute a bonnet, please and 1853, 30,000 men Mary Connor, a washer, names of Irish women check out her website at: were transported from was convicted of stealing transported overseas were www.christinahenri.com. Great Britain to Australia a cloak and transported to blessed. The project was au. and Tasmania for some- Australia in 1828. Her times very trivial offences. great-grandchild, Colin They were required to Gray, of New Zealand, serve at least seven years. was in Cobh, County For example, Thomas Do- Cork in August to take novan of Cork was trans- part in a unique quayside ported for seven years for Blessing of the Bonnets stealing potatoes in July ceremony. Mary Connor 1848 and Thomas Mur- fared better than most phy, age 15, of Dublin who found their way to City was sent for seven Australia and Van Die- Pat Hurley at the “Roses From the Heart” Ceremony years for stealing a hanky. man’s Land. She married in Cobh, Ireland In some cases, stealing and had nine children,
“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviours. Keep your behaviours positive because your behaviours become your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” - Gandhi
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In early June the Bathurst Chapter A week after the Irish Festival the again entered a team in the “Relay for Irish Float committee had to get our Life” and was able to raise a total of float ready for the Hospitality Days $1500.00 for the cause. parade the following Sunday.
The Bathurst Chapter had 6 members The next event for the summer was helping out at the Provincial booth as our annual corn boil. This year 20 well as the Chapter booth at the Irish dozen ears of corn were donated Festival in Miramichi. At the end of for the event by member William the day on Saturday the draw was Boyle. The record number of mem- made for the “Irish Blessing Blanket”. bers attending the boil all agreed The ticket sales started at our St. Pat- that it was the best tasting corn they rick’s supper and continued until the had eaten, and they ate lots of it. Irish Festival. The winner of the blanket was Mrs. Frances Dempsey. On Oct. 17th we held our Fall Chap- ter meeting following by a short During that same week two applica- social. A number of projects are tions for the ICCA, Bathurst Chapter under way. high school scholarship were re- Scholarship Winner Katie Edney ceived. The two young ladies where The next event will be our Christ- with Chapter Executive: L to R: from Bathurst High School. They mas Egg-nog party which is sched- President Pat Murphy, Connie were Stephanie Aube, granddaughter uled for Nov. 28th. This is also Whalen, Katie, and Marie Grant of Pat and Betty Murphy, and Katie when members can start renewing Edney, granddaughter of Mike and their memberships. Sharon Moore. Katie was chosen by the ICCA committee to receive the The Bathurst Chapter wishes a $400.00 scholarship and will be Merry Christmas and a Happy attending university this fall. New Year to all its members.
Winner Mrs. Francis Dempsey with Executive of Bathurst Chapter: L to R: Connie Whalen, Mrs. Dempsey , Marie Grant, and Pat Murphy
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 7
An Amharclann, New Amharclann founder, Pat- Florida—did the AIITF ever twice been nominated for Brunswick’s Irish theatre rick Toner. “News like this attract 11 plays, so I was the Man Booker Prize. It company, has been invit- means that our artists will surprised this past weekend tells a heart-rending tale ed to participate in the continue to gain exposure when organizers told me of Joe and Janet, a young 2011 Acting Irish Interna- not only provincially but that 10 slots were already couple who live a hard- tional Theatre Festival also internationally.” taken and that they were still scrabble existence in a (AIITF), which will take waiting to hear from a cou- Dublin slum until Janet place in Calgary from Now in its 16th year, the ple of regular attendees.” leaves and Joe turns to May 16-21. AIITF features perfor- But the group finally drugs and crime. But their mances from community squeaked in for the final inner strength gives them Based in Saint John, the theatre groups from Can- slot: May 17. a way back from the company will also tour its ada, the US, and Ireland— brink. latest production, the Ca- all of which are devoted New Brunswick perfor- nadian premiere of Sebas- to Irish drama. The host mances will take place in “I’ve been through this tian Barry’s The Pride of city switches each year Saint John on April 28, 29, script backwards and for- Parnell Street, in Frederic- from an American one to and 30; in Fredericton on wards, and it’s going to be ton and at the Miramichi a Canadian one. May 13 and 14; and in powerful, that’s for sure,” Irish Festival. Miramichi on July 16. says the play’s direc- At first, it looked as tor, W. David Cook. “This year has been such a though An Amharclann The Pride of Parnell huge one for Saint John’s might not make the cut. Street is a 2007 play by arts community,” says An “Only once before—2003 in Sebastian Barry, who has
8 Shamrock Leaf Winter 2010/11
July 2010
By Eldon Hay Jacksonville, Florida con- internet. She found both tacted me. Apparently, the Chignecto Covenanters It happened July 15th to Clarke families from Flori- the wayward William Al- and me. Moreover, she 19th, 2010. Twelve da and California came exander Clarke, an Ameri- began some effective fami- Clarkes came from Flori- recently to this area to re- can, had two sons. One of ly fence mending; Ron da, and two from Califor- juvenate Irish Covenanter them married a Roman Clarke and Sarah Clarke nia. roots, in the Amherst- Catholic, the family was Stuart became friends. Sackville-Dorchester re- disrupted, and the two At the outset, there were gion, in mid-July, 2010. sons and their families Sarah, with Ron’s coopera- some difficulties. Rev. became estranged. Sarah tion, initiated another step. Clarke built 12-15 church- When my book, Chignecto initiated a meeting with She proposed that mem- es, most of which are no Covenanters was published the other branch, and met bers of the Clarke family longer in existence. (A in 1996 by McGill-Queen’s and talked with Ron spend some time in the sole Covenanter church, University Press, one of Clarke in California. Ron Chignecto region, ac- built by Clarke colleague, the chief figures was Rev. had a Clarke family Bible quainting themselves with Darragh, is on the Mount Alexander Clarke, a Cove- (very similar to the Clarke some of their roots, and Pleasant Road, near Ox- nanter minister, born in family bible held by Lois visiting relevant sites. Sa- ford, NS, but no longer in Ireland, who lived in Am- Peacock Trenholm of Mur- rah and Ron Clarke hoped use). herst from 1828 to his ray Corner, NB). Sarah that the return to roots death in 1874. His wife studied the names, and might help overcome the was Catherine McMillan places, then went to the family rift. Clarke, also Irish born. They had a large family - 8 daughters and 2 sons reached maturity. The daughters married in the region. The oldest son married and was childless. The youngest son, William James Clarke, also became a Reformed Presbyterian minister, but misbehaved, and was later defrocked. He had married Jane Eliz- abeth Trueman from the region. They had one child, William Alexander Clarke, about whom I knew nothing.
In the fall of 2009, a de- scendant of William James Clarke families visit l to r: Christy and Ron, Clarke, Sarah Clarke of California, Lois, Murray Corner, Gary, Sarah and Susan of Florida
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 9
(Continued)
The Alexander Clarke their family. An im- We had a lovely meal to- We went on to Dorchester home in East Amherst has portant Clarke colleague, gether on Friday evening; to pay a visit to the small been so altered as to be no Wm Darragh, was also and more Clarke memora- Keillor House museum longer recognizable. featured. I gave a Wikipe- bilia was shared. We visit- display. I was able to take dia account of the region ed the West Amherst cem- a few courageous Ameri- William James had lived into which the Clarkes etery on Saturday morn- can Clarkes up to the main in Amherst, but we knew came. ing, to see the significant door of the formidable not where. I did know he Clarke tombstones there. Dorchester Penitentiary; had lived, for three years, I illustrated with maps We had no rain, but fog, though we did not linger. in Dorchester Penitentiary, indicating who the Clarke and millions of mosqui- Security persons removed and of course it still daughters had married toes! There were a couple any photos leading up to stands. Checking with (Scots, Irish, United Em- of family group photos the penitentiary, and we Sarah and Ron, they pire Loyalists, Methodists, taken. Thankfully by the were sent on our way. okayed its inclusion in the etc) and where they were time we reached Sackville, schedule (there’s a small buried - all over the Chi- the mosquitoes had disap- We had a fine lunch at the ‘penitentiary’ display at gnecto region. I also peared. Bell Inn in Dorchester. In the nearby Keillor House showed slides. The Satur- the afternoon we went to Museum). day morning time Alex Clarke had had lots Pioneer Cemetery in Mur- stretched into an extra to do with horses, and the ray Corner, NB. With All the Clarkes gathered hour. Lois Peacock Tren- modern day Clarkes, on grass freshly mown, it was for a Friday morning ses- holm, age 86, who lives in the whole, lapped up the a large beautiful day. Cal- sion in Amherst. In my Murray Corner, NB, was Campbell Carriage factory ifornia’s Gary Clarke talk with them I focused present. A fine feisty lady, in Sackville; the guide walked around in bare on the original Clarkes I she is a current Chignecto there was quite knowl- feet! knew - Alexander and Clarke descendent. edgeable. Catherine, their world and (...cont’d next page)
10 Shamrock Leaf Winter 2010/11
(Continued)
We viewed the Robinson/ wheels home, and promise True to Covenanter con- wards. Many folk were Clarke cairn - peaceful, to bring it up to date with victions, no organ music interested in Clarke and great photos, a marvellous their family data, largely was played. The church Darragh; many were de- day all around. The cairn, unknown before their visit. organ although not re- scendants of the original erected in 1939 and still moved, remained silent, builders of the Linden standing, is one of the most The last segment of the covered for the day. There church..... Congregants visible mementoes of Rev. visit was a Covenanter- was a precentor for the stayed and stayed. Alexander Clarke. Alas, like church service in Ren- occasion, to give the open- the base is showing unmis- wick United Church, Lin- ing notes, and for the At last, congregants were takable signs of wear and den, NS. psalms. The psalms only - gone. The Clarkes spent a tear - more about that in psalms are from God’s few moments, looking at another part of the Sham- Renwick had been built by Word (hymns after all, are the tombstones of Wm. S. rock Leaf. Darragh after he left the human compositions, fine Darragh and his wife, Ra- Covenanters, but his sense to sing, but certainly not to chel Moore, in the Linden Then we were off to Lois of architecture remained be used in God’s Wor- graveyard. Peacock Trenholm’s old unconverted. An absolute- ship). country farm house. She ly lovely place on a beauti- We shared some very was impatiently awaiting ful sunny July Sabbath; on Rev. Philip Read, regular warm good-byes with the us. Photos, furniture, and a a slight hill; small, simple, minister at Renwick Unit- Clarkes; their Irish Cove- large paper Clarke family single pulpit, with a very ed ‘opened’ the psalm, nanter roots in Chignecto wheel that Lois had shallow platform. For the Eldon Hay gave the were stirred, revived and worked on for years, was occasion, in the chancel ‘lecture’ on "Seeing we are cultivated. Long to be very avidly noted by the was hung the Covenanter surrounded by so great a remembered; memories Clarkes. Not at all surpris- symbol or emblem. In blue cloud of witnesses." . The to be refreshed and rein- ing, it’s a fine piece of and yellow, it was embla- congregation very readily vigorated. painstaking work. And a zoned with the Covenant- stood to pray, sat to sing. work in progress - the er motto "For Christ’s Punch, sandwiches and Clarkes took one of the Crown and Covenant." sweets were served after-
Highly Acclaimed Song Book Now On Sale
The newly launched ‘Collection of Lesser Sung Folk Songs’ has received outstanding reviews following the launch to a packed audience at Armagh’s Navan Centre. The songs which were collected in the Derrynoose, Keady and Armagh area over the past thirty years provide deep insights into our heritage, lifestyle, circumstances, the mood of the people and the state of the country. There are songs about emigration, betrayal, hardship, love homecoming and occupations. There are sad songs, humorous songs all of which stir the pages of history into life again, events long over and gone appearing again in the freshness that attended them when they happened. A number of the songs were performed at the 12th Annual Tommy Maken festival (see page 21) and the audience, which consisted of Americans, Germans, Dutch, English and Scotch as well as locals, were all clearly impressed. The book is available in the Old Mill Keady and can be purchased by contacting: [email protected]
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 11
Passing of a Canadian-Irish Icon Mourned Around the Globe
The Encarta English Dictionary defines the word “icon” as “somebody or something widely and uncritically admired, especially somebody or something symbolizing a movement or field of activity”. For the Irish in Canada Marianna didn’t just “symbolize a movement” she was the Irish movement. She was a force to be reckoned with and widely respected not just at home but around the world. She will be sorely missed and long remembered.
Marianna O’Gallagher Was an Advocate for the History of the Irish in Quebec
By Alan Hustak the first to systematically research lagher’s grandfather, Jeremiah, an
and write about Quebec’s Irish roots. engineer, designed the Celtic cross Marianna O’Gallagher was a She was 81 when she died on May 23 that commemorates the estimated leading authority on all things Irish of lung cancer. 6,000 immigrants who died and are in Quebec who was instrumental in “She was an amateur historian, buried there. When she came ashore having Grosse Ile preserved as a na- but she was relentless. Her energy, she discovered brambles and rasp- tional historic site in 1988. The is- focus and commitment to Irish history berry bushes in the cemetery were land in the St Lawrence River was a were indefatigable. It has been her waist high, and she was swamped quarantine station for thousands of whole life,” said Michael Kenneally, with emotion at the neglect. Irish immigrants who died there of principal of the School of Irish Studies She began a massive letter typhus fleeing the potato famine in at Montreal’s Concordia University. writing campaign urging Members Ireland in 1847. O’Gallagher, a for- “She was a towering figure, of Parliament to recognize the sig- mer Roman Catholic nun, was one of the most impressive Irish scholar in nificance of the island. Quebec of her generation. She single “She was a mover, a treasure -handedly caused Grosse Ile to be trove of information. She had a opened as a park the way it is. When warmth about her, she was able to Concordia began offering Irish study communicate,” said Don Pidgeon, an courses in 1996, we built on her foun- Irish historian in Montreal. “She was dation. open and giving with an earthly Marianna O’Gallagher, the sense of humour, and she was not eldest of six children in a land sur- overly impressed with the fact that veyor’s family, was born in Sainte- she was Marianna O’Gallagher. Foy, Que., on March 24, 1929. At the She founded Irish heritage age of 23, she joined the Sisters of Quebec, a community group de- Charity in Halifax. She taught at signed to raise awareness of the high schools in Nova Scotia, New province’s unique Irish experience. York and New Brunswick and at St Although 500,000 Quebecers claim to Patrick’s High school in Quebec City. be of Irish ancestry, it is estimated In 1973, she was given permission that 40 per cent of the province’s Marianna O’Gallagher speaking at from the federal government to visit population can claim some Irish her- Middle Island, New Brunswick Grosse Ile for the first time. O’Gal- itage. (...cont’d next page)
12 Shamrock Leaf Winter 2010/11
(Continued)
In 1981, O’Gallagher start- She left the religious com- can’t take any credit. It is She was a recipient of ed her own publishing munity in 1985. “You will the result of work done by the Ordre National du Que- company, Carraig Books have to get out of the habit lobbyists, historians, ar- bec in 1998, and in 2002 was (the Gaelic word for rock). of calling me sister,” she chaeologists and ethnolo- named to the Order of Can- Among her books are would remind friends. gists. I certainly could not ada. She was the grand Grosse Ile: Gateway to Cana- “I’m out of the habit.” have done it alone.” marshal of this year’s St. da, 1832-1957, and The When the federal govern- O’Gallagher is fea- Patrick’s Day parade in Shamrock Trail: the Irish in ment declared Grosse Ile a tured in the exhibition at the Quebec City. Quebec City. Her work in- national historic site in McCord museum in Mon- (reprinted with permission) spired a number of other 1988, O’Gallagher was treal: Being Irish in Quebec, authors to build on her modest about her contribu- as one of the 10 most im- scholarship. tions. “The achievement is portant figures in Quebec’s not mine,” she said. “I Irish history.
Marianna O’Gallagher: a friend pays tribute
By Joseph Lonergan Dermot, and Marianna herself were Joseph Lonergan succeeded Marianna all committed to the commemoration O’Gallagher as President of Irish Heritage In as much as the Irish community in of the Irish emigration/immigration Quebec. This article first appeared in experience. The three of them in suc- Quebec City endures, it will be greatly Nuacht, newsletter of St. Patrick’s Society to her credit. The same could be said cession were consistently central to of Montreal. with regard to our endurance in the commemorating the tragedy of Grosse Province of Quebec. Conversely it Ile. They insisted that the degradation will be through no fault of hers if our to which their people had been re- community weakens. I, and anyone duced was not of the Irish people’s who knew her, and has half a wit, doing. And the lives of Jeremiah, must honour her achievements. We Dermot and Marianna, their extended all took pride in her books, her re- families, their personal successes in search, and her awards. In her life’s their chosen fields are witness to that. work, she honoured our ancestors and In the absence of oppression, they kept their memory, she taught our blossomed. children and she was a friend to us, It was grand to see her in her her contemporaries. We all enjoyed role as Grand Marshall of the revived her stories, her kindness and her sense St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Quebec of humour. City two months before she left us. She was the founder of Irish Later it was hard to know that she Heritage Quebec and its president would leave us, and I knew for she Marianna as Grand Marshall of the until six months before she died. She confided in me. She knew too that 2010 Quebec City St. Patrick’s Day was the heart and soul of the organi- there was work yet to be done. Mari- Parade zation since its inception in 1973 and anna will be missed. She has been remained so until her passing. mourned. Those of us who wish to She came from a family that honour her memory and value our arrived in Canada in 1851, in the wake Irish heritage as she died should emu- of the artificial famine. They consist- late her virtues. We should be about ently treasured their Irish ethnicity. our work and get things done. Her grandfather, Jeremiah, her father
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 13
After more than 80 years, Que- bec City had its first St Patrick’s Day parade in 2010. There hadn’t been one in the city since 1926. The parade included pipers, Irish dancers and even a Chinese Dragon! The New York City Police Department’s Emerald Society Pipes and Drums were thrilled with the re- sponse. Thousands lined the streets to show their appreciation and the mood was entirely festive. ‘It is heartwarming to see a cele- bration of Irish culture in a city con- sidered to be the francophone capital of North America’, said Alistair O’Ha- ra, a member of the St Patrick’s Socie- ty in Montreal. L to R: Farrell McCarthy, Marianna O`Gallagher, and Edna McCarthy, The Grand Marshal for the pa- shown at the reception at City Hall, Quebec City, after the 2010 St. Patrick`s rade was Marianna O’Gallagher, who Day parade almost single-handedly was the voice of Irish Quebecers for many years. It is hoped that the parade will becers have Irish roots. Many families with names like Johnson, be an annual event. Québécois family names are derived Flynn and Ryan have obvious Irish Statistics Canada states that from Irish names, including Bourque beginnings as well. some 400,000 Quebecers claim Irish (Burke), Mainguy (McGee) and Riel ancestry, but as many as 40% of Que- (Reilly or O’Reilly). Many Québécois
Book Review (for more reviews, see pages 31—34)
On Another Man’s Wound By Ernie O’Malley 384 pages ISBN 978-2-901737-37-0
The title – On Another Man’s Wound – is taken from an old Ulster proverb, “It’s easy to sleep on another man’s wound”. Written in exile and first published in 1936, O’Malley’s writings have become a classic account of the years 1916-1921 in Ireland. It is still considered to be the definitive book on the War of Independence. O’Malley was a medical student and relatively indifferent to the cause of Irish Inde- pendence during the Easter Rebellion in 1916. Gradually he took up the cause however. He joined the Irish Volun- teers (later to become the IRA) and organized battalions and companies all over Ireland, under the tutelage of Mi- chael Collins and Richard Mulcahy. Author John McGahern calls On Another Man’s Wound, “the one classic work to have emerged from the vio- lence that led to the foundation of the state.”
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Graveyards are not the just cal quotations, while Roman Catho- tionship will be documented in few the dead places that they seem to be. lics often beseech Our Lady’s Mercy. other sources. Many tell a story about the families The abbreviations ‘I.H.S.’ and ‘R.I.P.’ Other valuable information on that are buried there. You can dis- tend usually to appear on Catholic memorials include – occupation, cover a great deal about a family, gravestones. address, date of birth, cause of who for the most part, left no story Memorial inscriptions are par- death, deaths abroad, or deaths on behind. A marker with several ticularly important in the case of ships. young children’s names show the members of the Church of Ireland as Emigrants in America or Aus- reality of family life before medical many parochial registers were de- tralia often sent funds home to have improvements wiped out simple stroyed in 1922. a decent memorial erected over the diseases that shortened so many Most graves were placed grave of their parents and family. lives. Large numbers of deaths in south of the church with very few Some of these memorials are very the same year attest to years of fam- graves on the north side as this was elaborate with plenty of money lav- ine or disease that wiped out so regarded as the Devil’s Side. The ished on their construction. Some many lives in a very short time. north side was also known as the appear to overshadow most of the Each cemetery has its own stranger’s corner and it was there that other markers in a cemetery. The story and the markers within are non-parishioners, strangers and returning descendants of these emi- often the only item left to commem- tinkers were buried. grants wish to come back to see the orate otherwise unrecorded lives. Gravestones normally face plot in which their ancestors are in- As such, they are an important gene- east, where Our Lord will appear on terred. alogical resource. Sadly, they re- the Day of Judgement. The noted Where the family is actually main largely untapped mainly due exception is the gravestone of a buried can give a clue to the family to the amount of time, effort and priest, which faces west, so the pas- researcher on where to look next for expense which it takes to record a tor can see his flock. Facing a grave- records. Traditionally, Irish people graveyard. stone, husbands will always be on like to be buried with their ances- Many graveyards are very the left side and wives on the right, tors, and so may be brought from a overgrown and neglected, which so that they lay as they stood in mar- parish in which they were born, adds considerably to the task of riage. lived and died, back to the ancestral making a complete record. To add Memorials have an important burying ground which may be many further to the problem, a number of role to play for the family historian, miles away. gravestones have suffered so much as the pedigree of a family may be Graveyards also tell a story erosion as to make them completely given which is not available in other about the communities they are in – unreadable which is a real shame. sources. Unlike North America, names that are repeated throughout However, graveyards have where each grave represents one the cemetery not only tell which one major advantage over other ge- person, graves in Ireland can contain families lived in the area. They are nealogical resources in that they are generations of individuals, all bur- also names that one may find open seven days a week and are ied in a family plot with four or five throughout a family tree on the ma- therefore fairly accessible. atop each other in each plot. As ternal side as well. Most graveyards, dating from such, many names appear on a stone Graveyards are indeed a fine before 1900, were the burial place of that seems to mark only one or two source often overlooked by many members of different churches – plots. researchers. Hidden within the Protestant, Catholic, Methodist and On one particular memorial in stones and mounds, is often a histo- Presbyterian all ended up in graves Girley Churchyard in county Meath, ry which is long forgotten and sadly of the same soil. To distinguish it is possible to trace one family from which religion the deceased fol- 1702 right up to the present day. neglected. lowed it is necessary to follow the A relationship such as a neph- hints of the memorial itself – ew, cousin, brother-in-law may be Protestants usually prefer long bibli- traced on a tombstone. Such a rela-
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By Diana Lynn Tilbert Byrne, Beirne, Berne), Ka- against Queen Elizabeth I son usually honoured the vanagh (Cavanagh, in the 1500s, winning sev- father’s oldest brother by The Irish community Cavanah, Cavanaugh) and eral key battles. wearing his name. has some of the most Ward are not as easy to Irish names can The oldest daughter unique and entertaining spot. make a tongue do back was given the mother’s names. Distinct first names flips if unaccustomed to mother’s name while her After all, who can can also help identify a the letter patterns of the younger sister was given forget the name of the man family from Ireland. Celtic language. Saoirse, the father’s mother’s name. who bounced back when Names such as Aidan, De- Yseult (Isolt, Iseult) and The third daughter born pushed against the wall: clan, Eoin, Niamh, Sibeal Iollan are just a few exam- was named after the moth- Rick O’Shea? (Sybil) and Shannon are all ples of names not found er, and the next female was Irish names are poet- associated with the Emer- every day in Atlantic Can- given the name of the ic, playful and filled with ald Isle. ada. To learn how these mother’s oldest sister. meaning. They speak of Baby Names of Ire- names and others are pro- Keep in mind that some kings, saints, warriors and land (http:// nounced, click the Listen families strictly followed commoners. The forces www.babynamesofireland. button located beside the naming traditions while behind these names are com/index.html) contains a name on the Baby Names others broke with tradi- Ireland’s rich history and list of Irish first names of Ireland website. Frank tion. Celtic language. along with their meanings McCourt, Irish author of There are many Even a novice gene- and connections to legends “Angela’s Ashes”, will say websites dedicated to alogist scanning through a and myths. For example, the name and the meaning. names and their origin. If list of surnames will be the popular name Sean is Many Irish names you don’t find the name able to identify some the Irish form of John, were anglicized and lost you seek at one source, it which originated in Ire- meaning “God’s gracious some of their distinct Irish doesn’t mean it has no his- land. Names such as gift”. Shaun, Shawn, and spellings. Aonghus tory. Keep looking and try O’Leary, O’Keefe and Shane are other forms of (Angus), Brighid (Bridget), different spellings. Every O’Malley shout, “I’m Sean. The name Shane Cearbhall (Carroll) and name can be spelt at least Irish!” Other names such honours Shane O’Neill Muadhnait (Mona) are first two different ways. Baby as Burns (translated from whose forces fought names which changed naming books also provide slightly to better fit the insight into a name’s origin English world. Anglicized and meaning. surnames include Ó Coileáin (Collins), Ó Reprinted with permission; hEidhin (Hines) and Ó Tilford is a freelance writer Raghailligh (O’Reilly). living in Milford, NS. The Irish tradition of naming children can help piece together a family tree. The oldest son was often named after the fa- ther’s father. The second son was given the name of the mother’s father. The Cemetery north of Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland third son was named after the father; and the fourth
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was highly respected. He first op- If only these walls could speak! posed Confederation – vehemently - but then acquiesced and was MP for Timothy Warren Anglin was a feisty Saint John from 1867 until 1882. He and colourful journalist and politician. moved to Toronto a year later and con- Born in Clonakilty, County Cork in tinued in journalism there. 1822, Anglin settled in Saint John in 1849 and started the Catholic newspa- His home, located on Waterloo Street per, Freeman, which was read by Irish in Saint John, still stands. It houses Catholic New Brunswickers through- two apartments and is privately out the province. Opinionated and owned but has a unique history. It passionate, he represented, promoted should be declared a heritage site, if and defended all causes that affected nothing else. Just imagine what we Brunswick politics – if only these his NB Irish brethren and his opinion could learn about 19th century New walls could talk!
Saint John Chapter of ICCANB Welcomes Newest Member
At the last meeting of the Saint John Chapter ICCANB, President, Owen Boyle, and his wife Jennifer proudly presented the newest member of the Association, their daughter Molly Bridget Hannah Boyle. Congratulations and best wishes to the whole Boyle family!
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The WAK (Moncton) Chapter of the ICCA has been proud to offer two $500 bursaries to students of Irish descent for a number of years now. Through the generosity of St Bernard’s parish in Moncton – the ‘Irish parish’ - we are able to have a special offering at the annual St. Patrick’s Day mass. For the first time, both recipients were ICCA members. We wish them both well. The 2011 bursaries applications will be available from the [email protected].
This year’s Rev. Peter McKee Memorial bursary went to Luke Trainor of Moncton, whose grandmother Margaret (Peggy) Trainor, now deceased, was a member of our chapter from the very beginning. His parents, Peter and Jane and sister, Megan are also members. Luke has been very active in the Chapter, performing as an accomplished guitar- ist and vocalist. He is studying at Mount Allison University in Sackville.
The Gerry McCarthy Memorial bursary honours one of the Association’s charter members who attended the first organizing meeting of the association back in 1983. The recipient was Erin Wallace of Riverview is the daughter of Bob and Maureen Wallace, and grand- daughter of Marjorie Hennessy Wallace of Moncton. She is studying at Queen’s University in Ontario.
The Famine Rose
By Paul McCloskey heirlooms, pieces of jewelry, silver- is being kept somewhat secret in ware, tea services, musical instru- order to protect it. The gentleman At the last meeting of the ments and the like. One young who now owns the house where the Westmorland, Albert and Kent woman brought with her a simple rose grows also has the history of chapter of the ICCANB, held Octo- rose plant. She managed to keep the the house for the past 140 years and ber 17, 2010, the membership was plant alive through the rigors of the the names of many Irish generations amazed and delighted by a story ocean crossing and travel from her that grew up in it. brought to us by long time member point of entry to southeastern New The Chapter will be in contact Dr. John Meagher. Brunswick. Upon arriving at her with the gentleman who owns the Dr. Meagher told us the story new home she planted the rose in rose and see what more can be of a young woman, who like so New Brunswick soil, cared for it and learned of its’ heritage as well as many others was leaving Ireland for watched it take root and grow. what accommodations we may North America due to the famine One hundred and forty years occurring in Ireland. later the rose still survives and has come to regarding its’ possible divi- Personal possessions were become a large, spreading and sion and cultivation. More news will scarce to begin with and what could healthy bush, much like the Irish follow in the upcoming months. be accommodated on a crowded themselves who came so long ago ship even less. Many brought with and prospered in New Brunswick. them their treasured items, family The actual location of the rose
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Walk Commeorating the Doolough Tragedy is an Annual Event
On 30 Mar 1849, as hunting lodge, twelve they were refused relief the Doolough pass. Justin the Great Hunger still miles south of Louisburg. ravaged Ireland for its Those waiting to be in- fourth consecutive year, spected were in desperate two officials of the West- shape but were told to go port Poor Law Union to Delphi Lodge the next were to arrive in Louis- morning at 7am if they burgh, County Mayo to wanted relief. inspect the poor and For much of that starving to see if they night and the next day, were eligible for outdoor hundreds of destitute and relief - money, food or starving people walked clothing that would be the mountainous pass given out and would not south along the Doolough require the poor to go into valley to reach Delphi over-crowded workhous- Lodge in very poor es or poorhouses. Several weather. When they fi- and then had to trek back Kilcullen, director of hundred had gathered nally arrived, starving through wind, rain and Trócaire, an Irish social hoping for assistance. and cold, and 600 in num- snow. Many were too justice group told the For whatever rea- bers, they were told that weak to continue the jour- crowd, “The Great Hun- son, the inspection never the inspectors were at ney and many died along ger, more commonly happened. Instead the LUNCH, and couldn’t the mountainsides of known as the Famine, inspectors went on to the meet with them. When County Mayo. occurred because nobody warm and inviting Delphi they eventually did meet, This journey is was politically responsi- commemorated by a cross ble for those living in pov- on the southern edge of erty.” the lake which runs The annual walk is through Doolough pass. today a walk of remem- On it is an inscription by brance and also a walk of Mahatma Ghandi: How solidarity. It also remem- can men feel themselves hon- bers, and serves to raise oured by the humiliation of their fellow beings? awareness of the more Since 1988, an an- than one billion people nual ‘famine walk’ re- still walking, especially in traces the steps of the sub-Saharan Africa, in Doolough tragedy of search of food and shelter. 1849. Held on 23rd May this year, over 500 walked
“Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave. ” - Lord Henry Brougham, British jurist and statesman, champion of social justice. (1778-1868)
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The Capital Area Chapter of -monthly meeting on Oct. 3 (really This fall, for the first time, the the ICCA had a busy summer, start- September’s meeting), at Renais- Irish Studies Program at STU has ing with our celebration of Blooms- sance College. Plans were laid for arranged a monthly Irish film night. day on the 16th of June, and it went upcoming events such as Tellabra- Held the second last Thursday of very well, enjoying our biggest tion on Saturday, Nov. 20th, held at every month, there are 3 fall and 3 turnout yet. Then we had a June Renaissance College and featuring a winter showings. Our Chapter has BBQ which was enjoyed by all. We number of great storytellers, and been fortunate enough to receive an also had a booth at the “Cultural our annual Christmas in Killarney invitation to attend from the organ- Expressions Festival,” June 25-26- Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 5th held at izers, Lorraine Nolan, Adjunct Lec- 27, organized by the Multicultural the St. Thomas Conference Centre. turer in Irish Studies, and Maria Association of Fredericton. Eileen Both events were well-attended and McGeough, Irish Language Profes- Malone deserves applause for her enjoyed by members and guests sor. The third night took place work on this event. alike. with The food for our Nov. 18th and the film showed was In July, we had a booth, and Christmas event was excellent, and “Evelyn” starring Pierce Brosnan. took part in, the Irish Festival on the the entertainment arranged by Roly Because this is part of the education Miramichi, and we also had a booth McSorley capped the evening off. program a fee cannot be charged, at the Highland Games, where we Also in the planning stages however the organizers have kindly attract a lot of interest. On July 8th, are the events of St. Patrick’s week allowed a donation box to be circu- our Chapter was fortunate enough in the Capital area. Last year a lated with all donations going to- to be part of Kathleen Gorey- group led by Roly McSorley staged wards the Chapter’s newly created McSorley’s CD Launch, her second an Irish Night at the Playhouse. It Scholarship Fund. We owe them a musical creation, and another suc- was a wonderful success with over great deal of thanks for this. cess. We also had a small get- 400 tickets sold. In 2011, the show Our regular Chapter meeting together at the Malone’s’ to fete two will be Saturday, March 12th, and was held Sunday, Nov. 21st, with members who received significant most of the entertainers have been our Chapter’s Annual General recognition from St. Thomas Uni- booked. We are also examining the Meeting preceding it. versity, their alma mater. In early possibility of a St. Patrick’s parade Thanks to everyone who July, John McAloon was inducted in the city sometime during our helped with organizing all of our as an inaugural member of the STU week. We will have our traditional various events, and working at our Tommies Sports Wall of Fame, and flag-raising at City Hall, our Irish booths. When I look back over the in mid-July, Michael Nowlan was Person of the Year induction, St. past 6 months, we have indeed been awarded a Doctor of Letters by STU Pat’s lunch at Dolan’s Pub, and pos- a very active Chapter. at the University’s summer convo- sibly one or two other things. In closing I offer just a re- cation. Congratulations to both as On October 24th, the family minder to our members and any worthy honourees. (See article on Malone once again hosted our chap- Shamrock Leaf readers who might next page). ter members, this time for a fall pot- be in our area and want to join. Also, at the end of July we luck. These annual fall gatherings Our membership Chair is Donna drew for our Irish Basket, suggested are often a way to bid good-bye to Styant, ph. #506-462-9813. Dues are by Jean Burtt as a way to get us summer and to look ahead to plan- payable by January 2010. Member- started on our Chapter Scholarship ning things to make sure we stay ships are $20.00 single, $25.00 fami- fund. The winner was Chapter active during the winter. (well OK, ly. member Beth McDermott, and we they also involve a large amount of - Bruce Driscoll, Chapter President raised $409.00. Thanks to just talking and enjoying ourselves, 506-357-8283, everyone that sold tickets and to but maybe that is the most im- Email: everyone that bought tickets. portant part). Our sincere thanks to [email protected] In August we took a well- Austin and Eileen for opening their deserved break, but held our first bi home to us, and their hearts.
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Any butions to their Alma Ma- few in the history of the reside on the north side of history that could be ter. university to have been Fredericton and are active written about the Irish John McAloon was “brought up” to play at members of the local fact in the Province of inducted as an inaugural the university level when chapter. Our congratula- New Brunswick would be member of the Tommies he was still in high tions to John on this well- considered incomplete if Sports Wall of Fame, dur- school. He played a rec- deserved accolade. it did not include a sec- ing ceremonies held July ord six years for STU. tion on St. Thomas Uni- 2nd - 4th, 2010. It would be Known as a “puck- Michael Nowlan gradu- versity. In 2010, the for- difficult to overstate the chaser,” McAloon played ated from St. Thomas Col- mer St. Thomas College, importance of the fact a fast-paced hockey game lege High School and as it was originally that, out of all athletes and regularly led the then St. Thomas Universi- named, celebrated its and all teams that have team in scoring. A star of ty when it was still in 100th Anniversary, a cen- been part of STU sports both the Mari-time Inter- Chatham. A true Mira- tury of growth and for 100 years, John’s role collegiate Athletic Associ- micher, he non-the-less change. From its begin- was significant enough ation and the New Bruns- found his way up the nings as a high school that he joined only 7 oth- wick North Shore Hockey Mighty River and and junior college, to its ers in the first group to be League (N-NBSHL) in through some small tribu- standing as a degree selected. which St. Thomas also taries before finally granting university in His biography on played, he was known by settling in Oromocto as a 1934, and its subsequent the STU website says the his classmates as “Mr. High School Teacher, and move from Chatham to following: Hockey.” In ’49-‘50, Mr. raising a family there its present campus in Hockey earned 58 points with his wife Gertrude. Fredericton in 1964, STU, “John McAloon from in 18 games, led the N- STU chose to hon- as it is now better known, Stanley, New Brunswick, NBSHL in scoring and our Michael with an Hon- has been a centre of excel- lettered in both hockey secured his place on the orary Doctor of Letters lence and leadership in Degree during the sum- liberal arts education and mer convocation, in more importantly a centre recognition of his career that encourages inde- as a teacher, writer, critic pendent thinking and and editor, just a few of personal growth. his many activities. Many Many members of members of the Chapter the Irish Canadian Cul- were fortunate enough to tural Association of New attend the convocation. Brunswick have attended The news release from the STU over the years, both University stated the fol- in Chatham and in Fred- lowing: ericton. During the 100th Anniversary celebrations “A native of Chatham, this past year, 2 members New Brunswick, Michael of the Capital Area Chap- and football during his STU Sports Wall of Nowlan graduated from ter, ICCANB, were hon- years at STU. In fact, he Fame.” St. Thomas College High oured as Alumni of St. was such a strong player School, St. Thomas Thomas for their contri- that he was one of only a John and his wife Judy (cont’d next page)
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St. Thomas Connection (cont’d)
University, and the Uni- vocate ran for 15 years. An versity of New Brunswick avid stamp collector and and then embarked on a award-winning writer on career in education. philatelic issues, he writes He was a teacher a monthly column on and education administra- philatelic literature for tor for over three decades Canadian Stamp News and and taught at several is a fellow of the Royal schools in the province. At Philatelic Society of Cana- Oromocto High School, he da.” was also head of the Eng- Michael and Ger- lish Department and vice trude are both active in principal. Nowlan has our local Chapter and Mi- written poetry, children’s chael will often grace us Michael Nowlan posing with (L) Bishop Robert Harris literature, and historical with his poems during and (R) Denis Cochrane, President of STU, after receiv- works. His monthly book our more literary activi- ing an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from the Uni- column in The Atlantic Ad- ties. versity.
Singers Raise Rafters at Song Festival
The 12th annual Tommy Irish song alive in his native coun- of the unplanned but enduring Makem Festival of song was a re- try for many years; Siubhan O Dub- highlights of the festival was the sounding success and once again hain from Rostrevor the well performance of American folk celebrated the importance of the known singer and song composer group Travelers Four plus One who song tradition in Ireland. The Festi- in both English and Irish; Peter performed a number of early King- val was launched in fully packed Carragher a native of Cullyhanna , ston Trio classics including ‘Tom Tossey’s cottage where folk songs songwriter and storyteller; the late Dooley’ and ‘The MTA’. Plans are sourced locally, nationally and in- Dermot Mackin for his all round already in place for the 2011 Festi- ternationally were sung with ele- contribution as a piper, fiddler and val. gance and style, sometimes unac- songman; the late singer Owen companied, sometimes with a cho- Smith and the musical Berry Broth- rus of sixty, sometimes with up- ers, Joe and Willie from Sheep- roarity, sometimes poignant but bridge: always with precision and passion. There were cultural tours of At the Keepers of the Tradi- Armagh City and District as well as tion, past and present singers, song lectures and workshops including a collectors from all cultures were most humorous presentation by the honoured for their outstanding con- great Michael Quinn, regarded by tribution to the song tradition. many to be the best story-teller in Raising the Rafters at Tosseys' with Those honoured in a packed Ar- Ireland at the moment. Tom Makem (banjo) Robert magh Hotel which included visitors The Navan Centre was full McGleenan (fiddle) and Gerry Makem from America, Germany, Holland, for the launch of the much praised (guitar) Scotland, England and from all over Song Book, ‘A Collection of Lesser Ireland, were popular singer Sean Sung Songs’ and local singers For more information please visit Donnelly, a native of Omagh;Peter stirred open once more the pages of the bard website at Vogele from Germany who kept history with their renditions. One www.bardofarmagh.com
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The Irish Economy and the Property Bubble
By Linda Evans Was the recession inevitable new housing estates popped up all in Ireland? Probably. Buoyed up over the republic – not only in the When the economic bubble by European Union funding at the populated urban concentrations of burst in October 2008, I was stand- turn of the century, there was a Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick ing in Canada Square surrounded spending frenzy – by government, - but also in isolated sleepy farming by London’s world banking glass banks, companies, developers, and communities across the land! houses. It was the end of a long the common man. Everyone was Known as the ‘Irish property workday and there were many living beyond their means and there bubble’, more homes and estates ‘suits’ spilling out of the doors with was nowhere to go - but down. (subdivisions) were built than peo- stunned and shocked looks on their Just this past October, the ple could possibly fill – even when faces. As they slowly made their Irish government had to save the times were good. It was pure mad- way to the Canary Wharf Dock- Irish banks with a bailout of an esti- ness. Dire warnings were issued as lands tube station, they had no idea mated €50 billion, and counting. early as 2006, but no one took notice how the day’s events would rever- This will further strangle a sick and and the building continued. berate around the world. Two ailing Irish economy. This bank How foolish was it? In isolat- years later, many countries are still bailout alone has increased Ire- ed County Leitrim, it is estimated reeling from the aftershocks but land’s budget deficit from 11 to 32 that 2, 945 homes were built during finding their feet – Ireland, is still per cent of her annual national in- the economic boom, despite popu- spinning out of control. come – three times that of the UK, lation projections that showed that The ‘recession’ – and I do use some 10 times higher than the EU's only 588 homes were needed! As the term loosely as history will be guideline, and the highest among Professor Kitchin, of NUI Maynooth the judge – was badly felt in Ire- the world's developed economies. explains, “They were all late to the land. The Celtic Tiger was still rid- Ireland is sitting on the precipice of party and now they are left stand- ing an economic high even though disaster and the bad news continues ing when the music has stopped.” free European Union grants and tax as the government plans €6 billion Today, these vacant or semi- free loans had virtually dried up. in cuts from its annual budget. completed housing subdivisions are The economy seemed in good Government workers have referred to as ‘ghost estates’. Some shape. For the first time in its histo- had to take as much as a 15% pay are finished, but empty. Others are ry, immigration out of Ireland had cut. Taxes are increasing at all lev- merely cinder block shells, lacking been halted. The Irish Diaspora had els. Thousands of jobs have been interior walls, - eyesores surround- returned from around the world lost and unless the economy turns ed by construction rubble and and immigrants – especially from around, the Irish will surely face weeds. They have been left to be Central European countries - flood- more misery before things improve. taken back by the gorse they re- ed into the republic. The Republic, In a return to the days when butter placed. Their eerie haunting ap- touted as the strongest economy and powdered milk was doled out pearance has created the term within the European Union, was to the needy in the 1980’s, the gov- ‘ghost estates’. They sit like a sick- riding an artificial high. Things ernment is beginning a program of ening plague on the pristine land- were not as they seemed. ‘free cheese’ soon. scape they once invaded. They are I first noticed early inklings More than any other sector of a constant reminder of everything of the economic slump on the Asso- the economy, the property market that went wrong. ciation’s website - epitomizes what went wrong in At one point it was suggested www.newirelandnb.ca – as early as Ireland. Government, banks, prop- that they be used as social housing the winter of 2009. The website be- erty developers, building societies to alleviate the critical shortage of gan receiving emails from young and real estate agents went some- homes needed for those who have Irish men and families wondering if what mad during the Celtic Tiger been added to the already over- there was work in Canada. years – apartment complexes and stretched social welfare system.
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The Irish Economy and the Property Bubble (cont’d)
Having gotten by for so them. The new immi- long with so little, the grants of Central Europe country went mad with also pulled up stakes and spending after having went home. won the ‘European Un- The Irish economy ion Lottery’. Now that will revive and there are the money is washed up, already small signs to Ireland is sadly returning that effect. The Irish are to its economic norm. resilient – some would When the economy say stubborn - and they nosedived and the Celtic will bounce back. Tiger took its last breath, Despite the doom the Irish were resigned to and gloom mindset in However, many of republic and many of their fate. There were no Ireland today, the repub- these estates are located these are located away riots as in Greece or a call lic was just given a UN in isolated areas and lack from the cities – in rural to revolution as in ranking of 5th ‘best place services, necessary trans- Leitrim, Longford, Ros- France. As in the famine portation links, schools, common and Sligo. The years, the Irish simply to live’ in the world in or even local shops. So- Irish government is now resigned themselves to terms of quality of life. cial justice groups reject entertaining the idea of the fact that once again, To put that into perspec- this solution because they demolishing some of they would have to move tive – Canada was in 4th feel ‘the needy would be them, but, like the on. And so they did, place, but has just better living on the streets roofless stone cottages of boarding boats and dropped to the 8th posi- where at least they would the famine years, their planes – but this time have access to services’. remnants will scar the they brought their tion. Oh, dear! It would be like sending landscape for a very long friends and families with the poor to a certain de- time. They stand as mise as the English sent monuments to the eco- the natives to ‘Hell or nomic madness that was Connacht’ centuries ago. fuelled by the Celtic Abandoned hous- Tiger. For generations, ing estates near the larger these estates will be re- urban centres will proba- minders of what went bly survive once the terribly, terribly wrong. economy picks up. Some have com- However, it is estimated pared Ireland’s Celtic that there are over 600 Tiger years to a poor ghost estates across the man winning the lottery.
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Now how does an Irish girl from Dunleer, in County Louth, become an Irish language teach- er at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB? To answer that, we thought that a game of 20 questions with the young lady might help.
First a bit of geography. County Louth is the eastern connecting point between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It stretches along the coast from County Meath to County Down, and with the new highway system is only an hour’s drive from Dublin. Ireland’s smallest county, it is home to Drogheda, on the River Boyne, with all that implies in Irish history, and Dundalk, 13kms from the “border” and halfway between Dublin and Bel- fast. Maria’s home town of Dunleer is midway between the two major centres. It seems that growing up in Louth means you have a very real sense of your country’s history and politics.
hough it is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a rela- So, Maria, how did you get to St. Thomas? tively recent program not offered in all schools. Work Last year while studying for my Post-Graduate experience only makes up 4 weeks of the Transition Diploma in Education (PGDE) at the National Universi- Year (TY)…the rest of the year is spent in school but free ty of Ireland in Maynooth (NUIM), I heard about the from the impending threat of state exams. Students get Ireland-Canada University Foundation, administered by the chance to sample subjects and areas within subjects John Kelly, based in the Canadian Embassy in Dublin. I that they might not otherwise experience and these usu- applied for a teaching position over in Canada, and was ally (though not always) influence the choices students very pleased to be accepted. Sean and I left Dublin on make for the following 2-year senior cycle. I think it the 23rd of August, flew into Toronto, and then to Hali- might be worthwhile for us to work on a piece that fax, where Dr. Stewart Donovan and the fabulous Caleb looks at the education system at home; it’s only when I met us, and we drove to STU. As it happened, on the take a step back from it like this that its structure seems plane, I noticed a young girl and her mother, both with interesting!! beautiful red hair, seated not far from us on the flight You graduate with your Leaving Certificate. I over. Imagine my surprise when I found out a couple of guess just as important for me, you take Irish Language days after coming to Fredericton who they were: Kath- as a compulsory course all through school, and I loved leen Gorey-McSorley and her mom Mary-Beth, and I it. From there I went to University College of Dublin guess Roly was there too. (UCD), receiving a BA with a joint major in English/
Irish after 3 years. The next year at UCD I got my Mas- Can you tell us a bit about your education and how you ters of Arts in English, actually Anglo-Irish Literature became an Irish language teacher? and Drama. I then taught one year at St. Vincent’s sec- At 4 years old, I started the 8 year primary school ondary school in Dundalk, where I taught Irish lan- in Dunleer; - well the first two are really pre-school. guage to 7 classes, all girls, and spanning different Then I went to secondary school which can be either a 5 school years. I always knew that I wanted to teach but or 6 year program. You take 3 junior years and in fact this year confirmed it. Then in 2009 I entered the Na- you can leave at 16 after those 3 years to go to work, but tional University of Ireland in Maynooth, County Kil- many students don’t do that anymore. I couldn’t say dare, and this past spring graduated with my PGDE in for certain that a majority take the Transition Year, alt- Education. (...cont’d on next page)
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 25 20 Questions with Maria McGeough (cont’d)
And how long will you be here at STU? This is a Canadian question. Have you found Tim Hor-
ton’s yet? The position is for one academic year, September 1, 2010 - May 1, 2011. I have 2 classes a week in the fall, and 4 a Yes, and although I prefer tea, I do get coffee. There’s week in the winter and spring. The course title is really nothing like it in Ireland. Imagine, drive-though “Introduction to Irish Language and Culture,” so alt- coffee. You’d never see that at home. And they are so hough I do mainly teach the language there are also ele- busy. ments of film, poetry, drama, ceili dancing, some Irish history; all of which make the course more interesting I know the winter last year in Ireland was colder than and more rounded. We took over the Black Box Theatre normal but what have you heard about the coming Ca- to do the dancing. This fall I teach basic language, and nadian winter? then in the second half I continue with that and pick up Last year in Ireland we actually had 10C below zero, two classes for more advanced language, likely some of which is unheard of. Here people say the frost will go my first year students will continue. down 3 feet, and everyone talks about the snow. We’ve
heard the worst. So who are you teaching?
I have a full class of 20 students, equally split between Are you getting prepared for it, and how? men and women, college age but varying from 1st to 4th I’ve bought boots…and I have a coat coming. I also year students. Almost half of them have Irish heritage know from talking with people that winter can be fun if in their backgrounds and they come from New Bruns- you do outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing. wick, Nova Scotia, Alberta, Quebec and Newfoundland. So we’ll see what happens.
What has university life been like the first few months; OK, back to University. What is STU really like as a are students really students, or is it different here than campus, compared to your colleges at home? back in Ireland? I really think the campus is beautiful. The buildings are I find St. Thomas has a good atmosphere. The faculty, more ornate, even Victorian, and there is more of particularly Dr. Donovan and Lorraine Nolan in Irish warmth in the layout both visually and in the atmos- Studies have been very welcoming, but so have other phere. Ours are often made of concrete and seem cold, professors. I find the students very focussed and inter- but STU is brick and wood and trees. ested in the course. They want to do it, not just need to take the course because of their degree. As far as com- Another Canadian question; have you been to a hockey pared to my fellow students in Ireland, I think they are game yet? all the same at heart. Not yet, but I plan to go to one to see the St. Thomas team. I’m sure many things are new over here, but is there any- They aren’t playing very well right now. We had hockey thing that stands out, and I mean locally, not just in the in Dundalk, the Dundalk Bulls and the Lady Bulls, and university? there is an ice dome in the town.
When we came in by plane to Halifax, I couldn’t believe You’ve been to the Boyce Market; is it different from mar- all the trees, and then driving through New Brunswick kets at home? there were even more trees. You know in Ireland, over the years we had cut them all down. Visually they add It really is. The fact that it is permanent, with its own so much to the countryside and the city here. And the building is very new to us. And the variety of things, es- other thing is the number of cars. Nobody walks, every- pecially the multicultural food vendors, which I just love. body drives everywhere. When Sean and I walk down- This is just starting to happen in Ireland, but even then, town we are all alone on the pavement. The parking lot the markets are more of a buy and sell thing, anything, outside our room on campus is always full, cars coming like a boot sale, not just produce and crafts and meat and and going. food. I think your market is a special place. (...cont’d)
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20 Questions with Maria McGeough (cont’d)
What do you miss from back home, anything that was I must say, I knew very little when I started but I did obvious early? some digging. I was very surprised at the size and
depth of the Irish fact in Canada especially down here in Oh God, I miss family, all of them, and my friends. the eastern part of the country. Skype helps a lot. We’re better off than those that came over 150-200 years ago to New Brunswick and couldn’t Is there something, or some place, in particular you’d go back. And I miss the lack of adverts on the TV; there like to see before going home next year? are so many more here. And I miss real chocolate milk, the creamy stuff. Where do I start – the Miramichi—both the River and the City which is very Irish, and Niagara Falls, and the What has been the most interesting part of your first Prairies, and Vancouver, and I can go on. few months?
This time, an East Coast Canadian question; I know you I’m surprised at the knowledge people have of their do have lobster in Ireland but have you tried it here? roots and their heritage over here, Irish certainly, but also First Nations. You know the fact that First Nations Yes I’ve tried it. I know it is considered a treat. It’s very are shedding their languages is just like what happened expensive in Ireland and even if it is common in some in Ireland over time. It happened at home I think be- areas, it is not a regular feature on people’s dinner ta- cause they felt the need to do that since English had be- bles. We see prawns far more often. And no, it’s OK; come the language associated with prosperity due to you don’t have to buy me any. I can’t speak for Sean. invasions. But it is a terrible loss that you can’t get back. Has there been a food that you have found very different Now you are not the only language specialist over here here, but also very good? from Ireland teaching at University. Are you in touch Actually that’s not a difficult question. At the Boyce with the other teachers that came over this fall? Market they have pulled pork sandwiches. They’re bril- We stay in touch online. 4 of us are in the Atlantic Prov- liant. Pork is common at home, but not cooked and inces, one is in Montreal, and one in Toronto but she was served like that. here last year. Maria, thank you for doing this interview with us, and What did you know about Canada before coming; had may you enjoy the rest of your time here in New Bruns- other family members ever been over or close friends? wick.
Bits and Pieces By Farrell McCarthy
In May 2010, the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick launched “The New Brunswick Irish Portal” on its website - http://archives.gnb.ca/Irish/exhibits_en.html. Through exhibits and an immense database, the portal tells the story of the Irish arrival and settlement of NB. Association member, Denis Noel, was instrumental in bringing our ‘story’ alive for all to see. It is a valuable historical journey and an asset to anyone doing research on the Irish of NB.
The Irish Canadian Cultural Association has joined together with the NB Scottish Association and the Welsh Asso- ciation of NB to form the Celtic Affairs Committee. The group aims to canvas the NB government recognize NB’s Celtic peoples as a vibrant and distinctive group as well as promote the need for a Celtic Affairs Branch or Secretari- at within the province’s governmental framework.
November 10, 2010 marked the 35th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. On that sad day on Lake Superior, 29 sailors lost their lives. Edmund’s great-grandparents were immigrants from Ireland and six of the Fitzgerald boys eventually became captains on the Great Lakes.
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 27
Bits and Pieces (cont’d)
Brian Murphy, MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, was appointed President of the Canada-Ireland Interparliamen- tary Friendship Group last spring. The committee promotes exchanges between Irish and Canadian parliamentari- ans, proposes initiatives likely to lead to a better mutual understanding of national and international problems and works to develop cooperation between the two countries in all the fields of human activity. www.census.nationalarchives.ie is the website of the 1901 census on-line that was launched on 3 June 2010. The two complete surviving censuses for early twentieth century Ireland are now largely available, searchable in the most comprehensive way, and free to access. The 1911 census is also available.
Another free-to-access government sponsored website, www.irishgenealogy.ie contains really important Church rec- ords for Dublin, Kerry, Carlow and parts of Cork. Church records are a vital part of our cultural heritage, particularly since the destruction of the 19th century census records, and it is hoped that more and more of them will be made available on the website. It is an ongoing transcription project that has loads of promise for the Irish Diaspora.
In October 1831, an advertisement appeared in the Boston Pilot newspaper seeking a Patrick McDermott, whose wife and family, newly arrived from Ireland, would be returned by the Emigrant Commissioner if he was not located. This was the first ad in what became known as the “Missing friends” column, which ran for 91 years until 1921. With over 31,000 entries available, they are now on-line at http://infowanted.bc.edu/ and it is a searchable database.
Gaeltacht Thuaisceart an Oileáin Úir (the North American Gaeltacht) was opened in June 2007 by Ambassador Declan Kelly. The Minister of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamonn Ó Cuív recognized it as ‘the first Gaeltacht outside of Ireland”. The Gaeltacht is a 62 acre property, located near Kingston, Ontario (Tamworth/Erinsville). It has 1,100 feet of waterfront along the Salmon River. It may be located on ‘Google maps’ at 298 Gilmore Road, Tamworth, Ontario.
Ed note: The following poem was found in a scrapbook belonging to Mary Louisa Clarke – daughter of William Clarke and Anne Downes of County Kerry, Ireland. Born in Flume Ridge, NB in 1859, Mary Louisa died in St. Andrews in 1941, where she and her husband, Alexander McMullon lived. Submitted by Faye McMullon
Three Leaves of Shamrock shield, And well the three-leafed badge was known on many a Ah, there’s sorrow in the shamrock; it is wet with many bloody field. tears The Wild Geese bore it on their breasts; it never gleamed in Shed by Kathleen Houlahan throughout the bitter years. vain There is sorrow for the pikemen who wore it to their By France’s lilied banner or the castled flag of Spain, graves; And on that day at Fontenoy, as the clashing columns There is sorrow for the exiled, who bore it o’er the waves; close, There is sorrow, a proud sorrow; for the days when it was How green the shamrock shows above the flaunting Eng- seen, lish rose! Though they hanged both men and women for the wearing of the green, There is memory in the shamrock; the little sprig of green And still the Irish shamrock grows, and still shall hold its With its magic brings before us some old, beloved scene – own, The vales of Tipperary or the moors of Donegal, An epitaph for Emmet, a mourning wreath for Tone. Lough Gill in placid beauty, like an angel’s tear let fall; From the thundering coast of Kerry to the dim, blue Wick- Oh, there’s glory in the shamrock; there were bards to sing low hills its praise A bit of shamrock takes us as its fairy magic wills. Through the Isle of Saints and Scholars in the ancient gold- Oh, a sprig of Irish shamrock beguiles, inspires and en days; grieves, The minstrel twined it on his harp; the warrior on his With Memory, Glory, Sorrow, its trinity of leaves.
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trating biblical narrative scenes from the Book of Genesis to the Last Judge- ment. Like the book of Kels, High Crosses are one of Ireland’s greatest contri butions to art from the Middle Ages.
To accent the historical significance of the High for 2010. senator after the formation Cross, An Post issued four New issues for the Irish of the Irish Free State, but very attractive stamps on Post Office commenced on lost his seat in 1925 after April 8. They include January 21 with the re- the Seanad became an By Michael O. Nowlan Drumcliffe Cross, lease of a special com- elected body because it An Post, the Irish Post which is situated on the memorative to salute the was falsely claimed he Office, has had a banner grounds of a former mon- 150th anniversary of the was in favour of divorce. year in 2010 celebrating astery founded by St. birth of Douglas Hyde, the In 1938, he was again ap- anniversaries, associa- Colmcille and stands in first president of Ireland. pointed to the Seanad and tions, fashion designers, view of a magnificent Hyde was born on January soon after was named the legendary show bands, round tower. Another is 17, 1860 near Castlerea, first President of Ireland. and much more. the Carndonagh Cross in County Roscommon. Ear- An outstanding individu- County Donegal outside ly in his life, he took a al, he well deserved this Whether you are a visitor the school grounds of Ire- great interest in the Irish tribute. The stamp fea- or a local , you cannot land’s largest community language. That interest tures a photographic por- travel far in Ireland with- school which features continued when he went trait of Douglas Hyde in a out spotting a high cross. carvings depicting the cru- to Trinity College. As a relaxed pose by Keogh Dotted across the emerald cifixion. linguist, he was also fluent Brothers Ltd. (…..cont’d) Isle, High Crosses are free in French, Latin, German, Ahenny Cross in County standing Christian crosses Greek, and Hebrew. made of stone and often Tipperary is richly deco- richly decorated. Also rated with geometric spi- He led a distinguished known as Celtic Crosses, rals, knot work, and career as a scholar. In they were primarily creat- braids. The fourth stamp 1893, he was a founder ed sometime around the depicts the Monasterboice member and first presi- eighth or ninth century Cross in County Louth dent of Conradh na and used mainly as status which stands beside the Gaeilge (The Gaelic symbols, meeting points remains of two churches. League), an organization for masses or parish It is located on one of Ire- set up to preserve and boundaries. lands best-known and ear- promote the Irish lan- liest religious sites. These guage. Most High Crosses have four stamps take a gold stone-carved panels illus- star in the An Post listings Hyde was appointed a
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 29
(Continued)
Also on January 21, An but it is believed he did 25 years. Breton Girl (1906), and a Post announced its new his missionary work in self portrait (1928). The wedding stamp, one of the Ireland in the second half The March new issue pro- lone Direain stamp has a most popular annual is- of the fifth century. The gram concluded on the an illustration of an origi- sues, especially among stamp’s design is from an 25th with a special com- nal painting of the poet those who are about to get image of St. Patrick from a memorative to celebrate against a backdrop of his married. The stamp de- stained glass window in 100 years of the Irish beloved Aran Islands. picts a pair of devoted St. Patrick’s Roman Catho- Countrywomen’s Associa- lovebirds which embody lic Cathedral in County tion. The Association Two international human- the love and joy shared by Armagh. works to make life better itarians - Mother Teresa the happy couple. for women and families all and Henry Durant - were On March 11, a new stamp over the country, while Before January was out, celebrating the 25th anni- also promoting Irish lan- An Post was back with its versary of Gaisce - The guage and culture. annual Greetings stamps President’s Award was on January 28 which de- released. The Mission The annual Europa theme pict original cartoon illus- Statement of Gaisce is “to produces a vast number of trations by Roger O’Reilly contribute to the develop- stamps from the countries featuring a boy and a girl ment of all young people of the union. The 2010 theme was children’s zooming through outer through the achievement the subjects of two stamps books with two genius space. One stamp has a of personal challenges.” issued on June 17. Durant Irish writers and two great heart while the other has a was the founder of the children’s classics. “The big birthday cake. Red Cross, but it is not Happy Prince” is the most necessary to outline the The Irish Post office famous story from Oscar wonderful work of Mother marked the commence- Wilde’s 1888 collection The Teresa here. ment of the Chinese New Happy Prince and Other Year of the Tiger on Feb- Stories while Gulliver’s Irish fashion designers ruary 11, and, on February Travels is a world-famous Paul Costelloe, Louise 18, An Post announced a novel by Irish writer and Kennedy, Lainey Keogh, new stamp to celebrate St. clergyman Jonathan Swift. John Rocha, Philip Treacy, Patrick’s Day on March 17. The award was estab- Both stories are represent- and Orla Kiely got the lished in 1985 to mark in- ed on the two An Post Eu- philatelic limelight in July. There are many legends ternational Youth Year. ropa issues with an illus- surrounding St. Patrick, The President’s Award is tration of Gulliver landing July also saw the issues of the highest award that can on Lilliput and another four new stamps in the be given to a young per- from the snowy setting for Irish Fauna and Flora se- son in Ireland. There are “The Happy Prince.” ries. The series depicted three age categories: the Buzzard, the Golden Two May 27 issues Bronze with a minimum Eagle, the Peregrine Fal- marked the 150th and 100th age of 15; Silver starting at con, and the Merlin. Each anniversaries of the births age 16; Gold for 17-year- is a beautiful depiction of of artist Roderic O’Conor olds to the upper age limit these beautiful creatures. and poet Martin O. of 25. It is a prestigious Direain respectively. Two In a joint issue with the and challenging program O’Conor stamps feature Sweden Post Office on which has seen 220,000 his most famous work, The young people take part in
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(Continued)
August 26, An Post issued Arthur Segerstrom, appear tive stamps feature stained a commemorative to cele- to almost defy the laws of glass windows from Ros- brate Czeslaw Slania (1921 gravity. common’s Church of Our -2005), one of the world’s Lady of Perpetual Help most prominent stamp The Irish Wheelchair As- and St. Brigid’s Church. engravers. Slania was sociation marked its 50th The third is a self-adhesive highly praised and well- anniversary on a stamp promotional stamp of an decorated for the stamps September 8 while four illustration by Roger he engraved. The joint is- legendary show bands got tenary of Chile’s Inde- O’Reilly of one of the best sue stamp depicts one of the focus on September 23. pendence (October 28). known bird species in Ire- Slania’s favourite ballet The bands were the Miami The two se-tenant stamps land - a European Robin. scenes from Romeo and Showband, The Drifters specifically honoured Ber- Juliet where the dancers, Showband, The Royal nardo O’Higgins and John To learn more about Irish Anneli Alhanko and Per- Showband, and The Fresh- (Juan) MacKenna, Irish- stamps explore the An men. men who played a signifi- Post very user-friendly cant role in obtaining in- website: Two October releases had dependence for Chile. www.irishstamps.ie one stamp to mark the or write An Post, General centenary of the Automo- Lastly, An Post issued Post Office, O’Connell bile Association Ireland three stamps on Novem- Street, Dublin 1, Ireland. (October 14) and two ber 4 in its annual Christ- stamps to mark the bicen- mas series. Two of the fes-
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 31
Book Reviews
by Farrell McCarthy
To understand the heart and soul of a country you must know its history, language, folklore and culture. To- day we are much more able to achieve this because Ireland and the Irish Diaspora are experiencing a publishing and media renaissance. Now is the time to begin a small Irish library in your home. In doing so, you will pass on to your children the richness of the culture of their ancestors. Why not give an Irish book to a friend or family member for Christmas, a birthday or St. Patrick’s Day? Farrell McCarthy has copies of the books reviewed here. You can contact him at 109 Roy Avenue, Miramichi, NB, E1V 3N8 (506) 622-4007 or by e-mail [email protected]. You can also check out the local bookstore. The ISBN numbers are included for easier identification and order- ing. Ask your local bookstore to order a few of these books, so the public will be exposed to more of a variety of Irish books.
Mick Tipperary The Real Michael Collins By Frank Delaney By Peter Hart 365 pages 484 pages ISBN 978-1-4000-6527 ISBN 0-670-03147-X
Before his ambush and murder in Tipperary born novelist, 1922 at Béal na mBláth, Cork, Mi- Frank Delaney unravels a great chael Collins fought in the Easter story and brings history to life in Rising, organized the IRA, outwitted his novels, including his epic nov- British Intelligence, negotiated the Anglo-Irish Treaty and el, Ireland, published in 2005. ran the first independent government of Ireland. Yet, he Tipperary follows the story of Charles O’Brien, and was only 31 years old at the time of his death. Anglo-Irishman, born in 1860. He matures into a coun- Collins is sometimes referred to as the father of try doctor, and on his roamings around his native Tip- modern Ireland and most biographies have idolized his perary, the narrative allows us to witness the devasta- career as a result. Peter Hart looks deeper. Drawing on tion caused by land reform measures which were put previously unknown sources, he examines the early years into place in the late 19th century. These reforms and of Collins’ life before he became a revolutionary and poli- their aftermath eventually led to Irish independence but tician. This biography also shows a Collins who sought the land reform years are less known to the average Joe power and exercised it ruthlessly. More politician than than the story of the devastation of the famine years. As soldier, he surrounded himself with followers and de- such, Delaney’s Tipperary enriches a fascinating and manded their loyalty. complex period of Irish history. He left behind a troubled legacy – an IRA out-of- After being turned down in his love life, O’Brien control, the beginnings of the Northern Ireland problem becomes obsessed with acquiring the abandoned ‘big that he could not solve, and a civil war he couldn’t pre- house’, near where he grew up, but there is a twist. vent. The storytelling is sweeping and dramatic. Myth, Authoritative and absorbing, and well- fact and fiction are woven together in the style of a nine- documented, Peter Hart offers an in-depth portrayal of teenth century novelist. Tipperary is certainly worth the one of the most remarkable leaders in Irish history. If read. Delaney’s confident storytelling and quirky char- you haven’t seen the award winning film “Michael Col- acterizations enhance the background story. lins”, rent it from the video store.
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Book Reviews (cont’d)
Timothy Warren Anglin Knock 1822-96 The Virgin’s Apparition in Irish Catholic Canadian Nineteenth-Century Ireland By William M Baker By Eugene Hynes 300 pages 366 pages ISBN 0-8020-5368-8 ISBN 978-1-85918-440-0
On 21 Aug 1879, in the poor Although written almost forty years rural village of Knock, in County Mayo, over a dozen ago, this is still the definitive work on people saw a bright silvery-white light outside the ga- one of New Brunswick’s most prominent Irishmen. ble of the local Catholic Church. Within the light they Timothy Warren Anglin was born in Ireland and saw a vision of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John immigrated to New Brunswick in 1849. Founder and edi- the Evangelist. Today, Ireland’s National Marion tor of the Freeman, he became a spokesman for the large Shrine in Knock receives one and a half million pil- Irish-Catholic population in Saint John. Achampion of grims each year. social justice, he entered the political arena as well, when For the first time, the sighting is dissected by it was difficult for an Irish Catholic to do so. Eugene Hynes, a native of County Galway and an as- His Irish background and ideas, as well as his mod- sociate professor of sociology in Michigan. Surprising- erate political stance and middle-class background, made ly, this is the first academic work on the Shrine and the him an effective mediator between the Irish Catholics in events before and after the apparition in Knock. New Brunswick and the rest of the community. Hynes combines insight into social theory with a He was vehemently opposed to Confederation and deep knowledge of the historical context of the appari- convinced many Irish Catholics throughout the colony to tion sighting. By so doing, he provides a detailed look vote against it through the Freeman. Yet, once Confedera- at the event of the day and produces a scholarly but tion was accomplished he became a Member of the Cana- very readable landmark study of late nineteenth centu- dian House of Commons from 1867 to 1882 and was ry rural Ireland. The author uses his academic skills to Speaker of the House from 1874 to 1878. study the individuals involved in the sighting as well His life as a newspaperman, politician and Irish the local clergy, Land League activists, various pro- Catholic spokesman provides insight into the social histo- moters and others. To understand the event, he digs ry of New Brunswick throughout the second half of the deep into the local history of the area for a generation nineteenth century and in many ways, gives us an under- before the event as well as the years following it. standing of the political shenanigans that still plague us This innovative look at the Knock apparition is a today. major contribution to the social history of modern Ire- A photo of his home in Saint John is located on land. Through extensive research, and with a social page 16 of this issue. historian`s eyes, along the way, Hynes challenges the usually accepted explanations of changes in nineteenth century Irish Catholicism as well.
Where’s Where in Dublin A Directory of Historic Locations 1913-1923
The Great Lockout, The Easter Rising, The war of Independence, The Irish Civil War 226 pages ISBN 0-946841-82 Issued by the Dublin Council to mark the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, Where’s Where in Dublin is a marvellous resource for anyone wanting to visit Dublin. This book is for every tourist keen on following in the footsteps of those who fought for independence during the tumultuous decade between the 1913 lock-out and the Irish Civil War. The directory methodically lists the historic locations on a street by street basis so one can easily see the sites associated with the decade’s events.
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 33 Book Reviews (cont’d)
Every Dark Hour A History of Kilmainham Jail By Niamh O’Sullivan 250 pages ISBN 978-1-9054833-21-1
Kilmainham Jail has been a place of incarceration since it’s construction in the late eighteenth century, until it finally closed its doors in 1924. A powerful symbol of the British ruling years, the jail is better known as the location where the 1916 rebels were executed. Robert Emmett and Charles Steward Parnell both spent time here. An open museum since the 1980’s, Kilmainham is today’s most visited tour- ist site in Dublin. This is not just a treatise of the political prisoners who spent time here however. O’Sullivan also delves into the succession of petty criminals and misfits who stayed here as well, some of them committing crimes simply to be incarcerated so that they could be fed regularly. Niamh O’Sullivan, as the jail’s archivist, knows the prison and it’s stories inside out. She has a comprehen- sive knowledge of the building, its residents over the years, and their stories. This is the first full-length comprehensive study of Kilmainham jail written and it is illustrated with several previously unpublished photographs. Since its publication in 2007, O’Sullivan has also written Written in Stone: The Graffiti of Kilmainham Jail (2009) It’s ISBN is 978-1-905483-72-3. Available through most booksellers, it would be a companion to her earlier work.
Life on a Famine Ship An Irish Heart A Journal of the Irish Famine 1845-1850 How a small immigrant com- By Duncan Crosbie munity shaped Canada 25 pop-up pages By Shannon Doyle Driedger ISBN 978-0-7171-3960-6 390 pages
A board book for children, Michael O’Connor’s fictional ISBN 978-0-00-200784-9
journal is packed with illustrations, facts, and real-life During the Great Famine of the 1840’s, details of his journey. It includes two pop-up pages – thousands of impoverished Irish fled one of the Dunbrody famine ship and one of life below to Canada on what came to be known as the ‘fever the decks on the ship, as well as many ‘doors’ to open. ships’. As the desperate arrivals landed in Quebec City, The journal is an unusual and innovative intro- families were often torn apart. Many made their way duction to this extraordinary period of Irish history and up the St. Lawrence River to Montreal, where as many the nine-year old’s story is typical of the two million as 6,000 died in appalling conditions. Irish people who fled Eire between 1845-1850. Despite these terrible beginnings, many Irish re- It spans life in Ireland when the famine occurred, mained in Montreal’s Griffintown, already one of Cana- the potato crop failure, the trip across the North Atlan- da’s oldest urban Irish communities. tic and the difficulties the new immigrants faced when An Irish Heart captures the immigrants’ strong they arrived in America. Although this is essentially a faith, their dislike of authority, their close-knit families, pop-up board book, the subject material is geared more their love of drink, song and a good fight, and their loy- to pre-teens than to the younger set who are more fa- alty. Filled with personal recollections drawn from ex- miliar with this format. pansive author interviews, this moving and engaging book recreates a community and a culture that should find a place of distinction in our history.
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Book Reviews (cont’d)
A History of Ireland Follow the Money In 250 episodes The Tale of the Merchant of By Jonathon Bardon Ennis 560 pages By David McWilliams ISBN 978-0-7171-4649-9 305 pages
Originally broadcast on BBC radio ISBN 978-7171-4807-3 in 2006-07, all 250 episodes of Jon- athon Bardons popular radio Very topical today, Follow the broadcasts on the history of Ire- Money chronicles the story of the land have been put together in book form for all to read. doomed Celtic Tiger and its aftermath through the eyes Born in Dublin, but spending his life teaching both of some of his previously created memorable characters: Catholic and Protestant children in Belfast, Bardon has the Merchant of Ennis, Breakfast Roll Man and Miss been able to remain apolitical and looks at Ireland`s his- Pencil Skirt. This generation – known as the `Pope`s tory without bias. This book covers all the usual chap- children`- are those who were born around the time of ters of Irish history from the Mesolithic era up to the be- Pope John Paul`s historic visit to Dublin in 1979. When ginning years of this century. Often, Bardon gets behind they came of age, they had it all as Ireland’s economy the historical headlines to provide a glimpse of the past rode an economic high. that may otherwise be forgotten. In Follow the Money, McWilliams, an Irish media Woven within are quirky episodes of little known economist, discusses how this generation felt betrayed history – like episode 122 about the great winter freeze and broken after the economic collapse in 2008. of 1740 which caused famine and mahem, or episode 127 This is no way an economic treatise meant to put which is about 18th century Irish gentry and their expen- one to sleep. Instead it is an understandable study of sive tastes. After reading each episode, the reader is left what went wrong in Ireland. By following the money wanting to know more. we see how `buy now, pay later` in many ways had a The book keeps to the original structure of the ra- great deal to do with the Irish economic collapse. dio programs as they aired. At the same time, for inter- Immensely readable, this book also offers an opti- est sake, these episodes often get behind the historical mistic and uplifting look at what Ireland can do to turn headlines of Irish history to give a glimpse of the past things around. Richad Bruton, from the Irish Independ- that may otherwise be forgotten. ent said, “This is a vivid, witty and provocative book.”
The Faithful Tribe An Intimate Portrait of the Loyal Institutions By Ruth Dudley Edwards 603 pages ISBN 0-00-638890-6
A Dublin born Catholic, Ruth Dudley Edwards has travelled an amazing journey into the study of Orangeism and her portrait of the loyal institutions – the Orange Order, the Appren- tice Boys and the Royal Black Perceptory is an engrossing read.
With fresh eyes and an unbiased view – although she is not un-critical – Dudley Edwards has written an in- depth study through not only historical research, but also with insider interviews as well. This book is a revelation. Kevin Myers of the Sunday Telegraph calls The Faithful Tribe, “one of the wisest and most perceptive books to have emerged from Northern Ireland’s troubles.”
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 35 Travel Ireland with Google Earth by Linda Evans Some isolated roads have not been zoom down to the street cameras, included yet. the site has wonderful photographs As a geography nut, I have While wandering around Ire- contributed by many who have been used Google Earth to locate places land a few weeks ago (virtually), I there. If you don’t have Google in the news for years. When the wondered if they had cameras on Earth, it is easy to download and earthquake occurred in Haiti, on I the old back road northwest of Dri- then you too can zip down onto the went to check out the landscape moleague, County Cork. Could I streets of Galway, or along the iso- from the air. zip down on the ruins of the lated roads of County Wicklow. Since the addition of street O’Donovan Castle standing in its You may come across some camera views – a controversial addi- rocky outcrop amid a field of gorse? areas of the country that you have- tion that some call an invasion of A road travelled by sheep more than n’t explored but would like to see on privacy - I’ve roamed all over the humans, I held out little hope. But, your next visit. Google Earth opens world. not only was I able to zoom down up a whole new world of travel pos- When a family member on the road, I could also pass right moved from Central London to a by the castle itself. sibilities! ‘chocolate box’ village in southwest The photo – and I apologize England, I used Google Earth to for the graininess as it was taken type in his new postal code, and the directly from Google Earth – as I program brought me directly to his ‘cyber-drove’ past the castle - shows new home. What a small world we scaffolding around the great mas- live in today! sive hole left by Cromwell’s armies. Until recently, Ireland didn’t Someone is actually restoring it! I allow street views on Google Earth, wonder if I should send back the but they are now included and it piece of the castle I have mounted opens up a new world of possibili- and on display in my study? Not! ties. One can zoom down and travel If you have Google Earth, take the highways and byways through- a tour of some of Ireland’s wonder- out the Republic – in most areas. ful scenic roads. Even if you don’t
The annual Marven McCarthy tour of Ireland happened in September and everyone had a great time, although there were fewer who went this year. Here they are standing around a Celtic Cross is found in County Tyrone. It marks the spot where a mass rock was once located.
Left to right, front row: Philip Giguerre, Marven and Mary Ann McCarthy, Patricia Kennedy, Catherine and Leo Holland, Dollena-Warren Giguerre.
Left to right, back row: Farrell McCarthy, Dorothy Lalonde, Nellie Ross, Agnes O’Neill, Patricia Fradsham, and Dorothy Lalonde. Members of the tour came from Fredericton, Miramichi, St Stephen, Sherbrooke, QE, Belleville, ON and Hinton, AB.
(See next page for details of 2011 Tour)
36 Shamrock Leaf Winter 2010/11 All Around Ireland Tour Book Now! Only $250 Down 14 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS Depart Canada – Thurs., Sept. 8, 2011 Return Canada – Wed., Sept. 21 MARITIME TRAVEL MIRAMICHI 110 Newcastle Blvd., Miramich Tel: (506) 622-1100 Toll Free: 1- 800-561-5770
PRICE: Based on double occupancy, $ 3965 per person, Air & Ground, Tax Icluded $475 Single Supplement Triple Rooms available upon request. For Full itinerary Visit www.maritimetravel.ca
“Escorted Tours” Or Contact Marven McCarthy [email protected] Tel: (506) 773-6296 Or Farrell McCarthy [email protected] Tel: (506) 622-4007
ITINERARY Day 1 – Flight to Dublin Day 2 – Dublin to Waterford, orientation Tour and visit Waterford Crystal factory Day 3 – Waterford to Killarney via Cobh, Cork and Blarney Castle Day 4 – Ring of Kerry and Killarney Day 5 – Killarney to Galway via Adare, Ennis, Cliffs of Moher & The Burren. Day 6 – Connemara Tour, visit Cong and “Quiet Man” sites. Tour of Galway. Enjoy an Irish Show – “Trad on the Prom”. Day 7 – Galway to Monaghan via Lady of Knock, Sligo & Yates Country Day 8 – Day tour through the Antrim Mountains, visit the Giant’s Causeway, & see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Day 9 – Monaghan Tour, our driver/guide’s special tour Day 10 –Tour to Derry, walk the wall of the old city and see the Bogside murals Day 11 – Visit Omagh Folk Park. Attend an Irish Kitchen Party this evening. Day 12 – Monaghan to Dublin, sightseeing in Dublin, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Guinness Storehouse. Enjoy Dinner & A Show at a Dublin Cabaret. Day 13 – Sightseeing in Dublin. Day 14 – Dublin International and our Flight Home What's Included
• Round-Trip Flights from Halifax to Dublin; Transfers: All airport & hotel transfers if travelling from Canada with the group. • Hotels: 12 nights accommodations in Superior Tourist or First Class Hotels, all with private facilities. • Meals: 12 breakfasts and 8 dinners; Tea or coffee where meals are provided, incl. Tips at restaurants • Air-Conditioned/Heated coach with driver/guide throughout the tour • Entrance fees to sites included in the itinerary • Enjoy Dinner & A Show in Dublin & A Traditional Irish Music, Song & Dance Show in Galway. • Two special evenings of music with no cover charge, one at a Pub and a Kitchen Party • Service charges and local taxes on services provided in the tour • Porterage: one piece of luggage per person at hotels except in Monaghan. • Services of a tour manager beginning in Canada
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 37
Passengers Aboard the Thetis Cork, Ireland to Bathurst, New Brunswick April 1837 By Paul Delicat (reprint)
Very few lists of ship’s passengers from Co. Cork. The Thetis (named Judy Cain, 24; Nancy Brown, 25 – to Canada have survived, there be- after the Greek sea-nymph who was deleted; Peggy Clifford, 28; Margt ing no obligation to retain them be- mother of Achilles) was a relatively Keeffe, 21; Judy Sweeney, 26; Margt fore about 1865. Extensive searches small ship, being registered at 209 McCarthy, 25; Margt Joyce, 26 – de- in Canada and Great Britain have tons. In 1839 when Joseph Cunard leted; Cath Mahony, 29; Cath Cro- failed to produce any such lists, and set up his ship-building enterprise nin, 20; Margt Connell, 21; Mary few passengers were mentioned by at Bathurst he started with 300 and Cahill, 30; Norry Harrington, 20; J name in shipping lists published in 400 ton ships and by 1845 ships of Leahy, 24; Nancy Sweeny, 50; C. the newspapers, whose entries up to 1035 tons. Mahony, 21. simply state “100 passengers from List of Passengers embarked Children under 14 years: Mary Cork” or any port of embarkation. in the Thetis of Troon – Robert Mahony, Danl Mahony, Mary Ca- The list here printed below is Hamilton, Master, and who have hill, Owen Sweeny, M. Daly. in the Provincial Archives, Frederic- contracted to be landed at Bathurst Children under 7 years: Jas Des- ton, NB (RSB: Immigration Gen- – Bay Chaleur: mond, Cath Desmond, Danl McCar- eral 1834-1845). It lists the crew and 41 Male Adults, all listed as labour- thy, Norry Cahill, Patk Cahill, J. passengers of the Thetis of Troon, in ers: Timty Rearden, 30; Patk Des- Daly. Scotland, who left Cork on the 12th mond, 40; Timty Clifford, 30; Thos List of Crew: Robert Hamilton, April 1837 bound for Bathurst, Bay Leahy, 28; John Leahy, 22, absent – Master; Adam Bruce, mate; David Chaleur in New Brunswick. deleted; Denis Keeffe, 20; Rich Galawey, 2nd Do; John Nichol, Chaleur Bay received a fair number Gahint (?), 28; John Sweeny, 30; Cook; John Hogan, Seaman; Evan of early 19th century Irish immi- Danl Downins; 30, Danl McCarthy, Owens, Do; John Mack, Do; Wm grants, many of whom were no 30; John Murphy, 30; Patk Murphy, Tedrick, Do; James Shaw and Peter doubt awed by the wilderness 25; David Joyce, 40 – deleted; Felix Allen, apprentices. which met them; especially those McCarthy, 30; Patk McCarthy, 30; We certify that the Ship Thetis who associated North America with Jerh Regan, 30; Edwd Sweeny, 25; of Troon,, Robert Hamilton, has centers such as Halifax, Saint John, Jas Sullivan, 50; Danl Mahony, 25; cleared for Bay Chaleur and that the Boston, or New York. In conse- John Casey, 20; John Carthy, 20 – above mentioned number of Pas- quence a great number left for the deleted; Thos Coffee, 20; Denis Hur- sengers have been embarked there- “South” at the first opportunity. ley, 25; Danl Keeffe, 25; Willm Sulli- in under the sanction of His Majes- The popularity for landing passen- van, 20; Danl Magner, 21; Robert ty’s Government, And the said gers in the Bay was probably the Grudley, 25; John Brian, 25; Cuth Master is hereby noticed that if the quantity of shipping which went cain, 25; John Sweeney, 20; Edmd number actually embarked exceed- there to take on cargoes of lumber Sweeney, 25; Owen Sweeney, 30 – ed that herein specified, this Certifi- and fish. Such ships would have deleted; Michl Connelly, 25; John cate will become null, and an extra had to return from Europe in ballast Murphy, 30; Michl O Donoghue, 25; Duty of Five Shillings a head be had they been without cargo and John Creane, 28; Thos Casey, 30 – applicable to the whole number, what better cargo could be found deleted; Timty Cronin, 50 – deleted; instead of those who are not includ- than humans, who were self- Thos Harrington, 25; Danl Do, 24; ed in the List. loading and paid passage to boot. Patk Do; 23; John Do, 20; Timty Do, Port of Cork, 12 April 1837 It is most unfortunate that the 21; John Sullivan, 27; Jer Murphy, J. J. Troy Collector list gives neither the passengers’ 26; P Do, 25; John Do, 26. Mustered Crew & Passengers at the addresses nor any relationships, but Female Adults: Cath Rearden, 30; Clearing Station Cove this 12 day of their age only. The surnames, how- Johan Desmond, 33; Nelly Clifford, April 1837 ever, look as if they were mostly 30; Cath Shea, 21; Johanna Brien, 25; N. Seymour, Tide Surveyor
38 Shamrock Leaf Winter 2010/11
By Linda Evans
New Brunswick’s Irish history has, for many reasons, been largely ignored in this province, and yet our rich and colourful past deserves a place within New Brunswick’s story. While gathering research on NB Irish families, I often come across small snippets of information that compel me to dig deeper. Often found buried in the most unusual and unexpected places, these little tidbits of information often provide insight into the lives of individu- als who are mostly forgotten today, but surely deserve a place in New Brunswick’s Irish story. Here’s one that I stumbled upon recently:
Bridget Parkhill – Canada’s first suffragette Reading through a speech took off their hats to the first fe- boundaries of the Canadian and given to the Women’s Historical male suffragist of Canada. Judging New Brunswick establishment. Society of Ottawa in 1914 by Teresa from her name (Bridget Parkhill) I I can see her, dressed simply, Costigan Armstrong, I never ex- don't believe the Scotsman got her but with determined fortitude, pected to stumble upon Canada’s vote." trekking what must have been no first suffragette – an Irish New Canada’s first suffragette, Brid- more than a trail southerly along Brunswicker. get Parkhill was born in 1817, the the western edge of Baker Lake to Speaking on the life of her wife of Robert Parkhill, who had vote at the polling station in Lac grandfather, John Costigan, Arm- emigrated to NB from Ireland in Baker. She faced two formidable strong brought Bridget Parkhill to 1833. She was a simple pioneer political opponents when she ar- life. "...I must tell you that a New mother living with her family on rived at the poll – Irishman John Brunswick woman had the distinc- the NB-Quebec border, in an Irish Costigan of Grand Falls represent- tion of being the first one to ask for settlement community now re- ing John A. McDonald’s ‘Liberal- and the only one in Canada to ob- ferred to simply as ‘Boundry’. For Conservative’ team and his long- tain the privilege of casting a vote whatever reason, her husband was time provincial adversary, William in a federal election. At the first unable to vote in that first Canadi- Blackwood Beveridge, a Scottish elections in 1867, Mrs. Parkhill of an election, and she was deter- New Brunswicker who made his Madawaska County...decided to mined that she would have her say. home in Perth. Yet, they doffed come herself to the polls. That the their hats and allowed her the priv- polling booth was situated seven ilege of voting by secret ballot (NB miles from her home, and that no was the only province to allow se- conveyance was at hand for her to cret ballots in this election). use, mattered not to this ambitious John Costigan won that elec- woman, who calmly walked the tion with only 778 votes, against distance. She happened to arrive Beveridge’s 549. In a political at- when both the candidates - son of mosphere where many voted ‘for Erin [Costigan], and stalwart their own’, we can probably as- Scotchman [Beveridge] - were on sume that Irish Catholic Bridget the spot and to them expressed her At a time when only 11% of Parkhill probably cast her vote for opinion that she had a perfect right Canadians had the right to vote in Costigan. She made history that to cast her husband's vote and de- this country - because of several day, yet has yet to find her place in clared her intention of doing so. restrictions, including property New Brunswick, and indeed Cana- Whether it was the chivalry of the ownership, nationality, sex, and/or da’s political history. Hail Bridget! candidates or the belief of each that religious bias - Bridget Parkhill, a he would be the favored one I woman, and an Irish Catholic, know not, but they agreed that the made history – but very few are lady should vote, and then they aware of how she defied the rigid
Winter 2010/11 Shamrock Leaf 39
by Nellie S. H. (McCarron) Ross, Burnt Hill, NB
Having just returned from a ron families that used to live stone house and blacksmith shop very enjoyable and informative there. They didn't know of any but partly standing and the flowered "Marvin McCarthy Irish a gentleman standing in the lobby hedges. The countryside there has bus tour", accompanied by my sis- spoke up to say he knew a Daniel outstanding beauty with rolling ter Bridget and her daughter Doro- McCarron (dad's brother) that hills, a rippling river, the gently thy, we were anxious to see and lived there once. He gave me a ocean breezes and all that green! learn about the country where our name and directions of an older Anna Kelly had arranged for father and grandfather was born. man named Mickey that lived near us to meet her sister Betty, her We knew from dad's birth the old McCarron place and would brother Chris and hiswife, Dym- certificate that he was born in Bal- know. pra, at her home. We spent a lyhallen in the district of Inishowen Upon contacting Mickey, splendid afternoon getting ac- in the county of Donegal. He had a very colourful and informative quainted, exchanging stories, pic- immigrated to America around gentleman, he was only too happy tures, email addresses and learning 1920. At the time he had some to tell me about my Uncle Daniel, about family. It was so touching to family in Boston, Mass. that had who he claimed had been the best finally meet relatives we had never immigrated earlier but he chose to blacksmith in the area. He took me known and who were as eager as live in Saskatchewan, Canada near to where their family farm was and us to find extended family. We are to where his sister Sarah and her put me in contact with a very so proud that we found connec- husband lived. Over the years we friendly lady named Mary Rose tions to our ancestral home in Ire- lost contact with his family until 3 who knew my uncle Daniel's land. years ago. I visited Ireland with a granddaughter, Anna Kelly. After Ireland is such a beautiful Marvin McCarthy bus tour and inquiring around, Mary Rose was country with a charming history with their help I was able to con- able to give me my cousin Anna's and the people are so friendly. As tact some relatives. address and directions to her place, a young Irish lad said to us one Having arranged for a car saying, "she lived on the front evening in Monaghan as we shared and driver to take me to Clon- street but in behind" - typical Irish many, I inquired at the local post directions. a table at Terry's pub, "you'll have office if they knew of any McCar- Through Anna Kelly, I was to come back again!" able to contact another cousin, Chris, who lived in Derry and as our bus trip took us to Derry the next day, I was able to spend a wonderful afternoon with him as we walked the walls of Derry. This fall, after ten very de- lightful days on tour, we had one free day at Monaghan so my sister, niece and I made arrangements to Meeting family members - Back visit Clonmany again. row - Anna Kelly, Dorothy Hiitola, Firstly we visited the old Chris Doherty, front row - Nellie The McCarron homestead, McCarron place. What a heart ren- Ross, Bridget Lalonde, Betty Ballyhallen, County Donegal dering experience to see the old McKeevar, Dympra Doherty
40 Shamrock Leaf Winter 2010/11
Membership Form
The Irish Canadian Cultural Association of NB
Provincial President PO Box 26022 Roly McSorley Moncton, NB E1E 4H9 9 Spruce Terrace [email protected] Fredericton, NB E3I 2P2 Tel: 872-2761 [email protected] Tel: 454-3486 Lynn Doyle (Miramichi Chapter) Donna Styant 201 Sutton Road (Capital Area Chapter) Miramichi, NB E1V 4C9 167 Linden Crescent [email protected] Fredericton, NB E3A 5A1 Tel. 622-5095 [email protected] Pat Muprhy Tel: 462-9813 (Bathurst Chapter) 495 Varrily Street Donna Blanchard Bathurst, NB E2A 2P2 (Saint John Chapter) [email protected] 40 Yandall Drive Tel: 546-9986 Quispamsis, NB E2E 1T8 [email protected] *Please make your cheque payable to Tel: 849-1358 ICCANB and send to the Membership Chair nearest you (above) or to: Joan Jones (Charlotte County Chapter) Patricia O’Leary-Coughlan 3 Carleton Street 189 Carlisle Rd., St. Stephen, NB E3L 2N8 Douglas, NB E3G 7M7 [email protected] [email protected] Tel.: 466-2669 Tel.: 450-2059
(Westmorland Albert Kent Chapter)
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